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Then amid flash of lightning and roll of thunder appeared 

the horse. — Page 102 



ALEX CCi© 

NEW YO 
Me LOUGHLIN BROTHERS 




7Z-i 

Tl 


UiittARYof CONGRESS 
Iwo CoDles Received 

SEP 16 I90r 

0»pyn*M aitry 
/(> Mtl 
CU^S A XXc., No. 

COPY S. 


Copyright, 1906, by 
McLoughlin Eros., New York. 



PAGE 

Tears of Pearls 5 

The Two Brothers 19 


Time akd the Kixgs or the Elements 


The Lost Child 31 

The Sun; or the Three Golden Hairs of the Old Man 

OF VSEVEDE 41 

The Twelve Months 57 

Kinkacho Martinko 69 

The Journey to the Sun and the Moon . . ^ 75 

The Broad Man, the Tall Man, and the Man with Eyes 
OF Flame 


The Dwarf with the Long Beard 
The Maid with the Hair of Gold 


83 

97 

113 







TEARS OF PEARLS. 

O NCE upon a time there lived a very rich 
widow, with whom lived three children — a 
handsome stepson; his sister, who was marvel- 
ously beautiful ; and her own daughter, passably 
good-looking. 

All three children lived under the same roof, 
but, as is often the case where there are step- 
parents, they were treated very differently. The 
lady’s own daughter was bad-tempered, disobe- 
dient, vain, and of a tell-tale disp6sition: yet she 
was made much of, praised, and caressed. The 
stepchildren were treated very harshly : the boy, 
kind-hearted and obliging, was made to do all 
sorts of hard unpleasant work, was constantly 
scolded, and looked upon as a good-for-nothing. 
The stepdaughter, who was not only exceed- 
ingly -pretty but was as sweet as an angel, was 
found fault with on all occasions, and her life 
made utterly miserable. 

It is, after all, but natural to love one’s own 
children better than those of others, but the feel- 
ing of love should be governed by the laws of 
6 


6 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


fairness. Now this wicked woman was blind to 
the faults of the child she loved, and to the good 
qualities of her husband’s children, whom she 
hated. 

When in a bad temper she was fond of boasting 
of the handsome fortune she intended securing 
for her own daughter, even though the step- 
children should be unprovided for. But as the 
old proverb says, “Man proposes, but God dis- 
poses.” We shall therefore see how things turned 
out. 

One Sunday morning, before going to church, 
the stepdaughter went into the garden to pick 
some flowers for decorating the altar. She had 
only gathered a few roses when, looking up, she 
saw quite close to her three young men robed in 
dazzling white garments. They sat on a bench 
shaded by shrubs, while near them was an old 
man who asked her for alms. 

She felt rather nervous before the strangers, 
but when she saw the old man she took her last 
penny from her purse and gave it him. He 
thanked her, and raising his hand over the girl’s 
head, said to the men : “This orphan girl is pious, 
patient under misfortune, and kind to the poor, 
with whom she shares the little, she has. Tell me 
what you wish for her.” 

The first said, “I wish that when she weeps her 
tears may be changed into so many pearls.” 

“And I,” replied the second, “that when she 
smiles sweet roses may fall from her lips.” 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


7 


‘‘My wish/’ said the third, “is that whenever 
she dips her hands into water there shall appear 
in it shining gold-fish.” 

“All these gifts shall be hers,” added the old 
man. And with thesie words they vanished. 

The maiden was filled with awe, and fell on her 
knees in prayer. Then her heart was filled with 
joy and peace, and she went back into the house. 
She had scarcely crossed the threshold when her 
stepmother came forward, and looking at her 
sternly, said, “Well, where have you been?” 

The poor child began to cry, when — marvel of 
marvels — instead of tears, pearls fell from her 
eyes. 

Notwithstanding her rage, the stepmother 
picked them up as quickly as possible, while the 
girl smiled as she watched her. And as she smiled 
roses fell from lips, and her stepmother was be- 
side herself with delight. 

The girl then went to put the flowers she had 
gathered in water; and as she dipped her fingers 
in it while arranging them, pretty little gold-fish 
appeared in the bowl. 

From that day these marvels were constantly 
occurring; the tears were changed into pearls, the 
smiles scattered roses, and the water, even if she 
dipped but the tips of her fingers in, was filled 
with gold-fish. 

The stepmother softened and became more 
gentle, while little by little she managed to draw 
from her stepchild the secret of these gifts. 


8 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


So next Sunday morning she sent her own 
daughter into the garden to gather flowers, under 
pretense of their being for the altar. When she 
had picked a few, she raised her eyes and saw the 
three men sitting on a low seat, while near them 
stood the little old man with white hair, begging 
for alms. She pretended to be shy before the 
young men, but at the beggar’s request drew from 
her pocket a gold piece, and gave it him, evidently; 
much against her will. He put it in his pocket, 
and turning to his companions said: “This girl 
is the spoiled child of her mother ; she is bad tem- 
pered and naughty, while her heart is hardened 
against the poor. It is easy to understand why, 
for the first time in her life, she has been so gen- 
erous to-day. Tell me what gifts you would wish 
me to bestow upon her.” 

The first said, “May her tears be changed into 
lizards.” 

“And her smile produce hideous toads,” added 
the second. 

“And when her hands touch the water may it 
be filled with serpents,” said the third. 

“So let it be,” cried the old man. And they 
all vanished. 

The poor girl was terrified, and went back to 
tell her mother what had happened. And it was 
even so; for if she smiled hideous toads fell from 
her mouth, her tears were changed into lizards, 
and the water in which she dipped but the tips of 
her fingers was filled with serpents. 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


9 


The stepmother was in despair, but she only 
loved her child the more, and hated the orphans 
with a yet more bitter hatred. Indeed, she wor- 
ried them to such an extent that the boy deter- 
mined to put up with it no longer, but to seek his 
fortune elsewhere. So he tied up his belongings 
in a handkerchief, took a loving farewell of his 
sister, commending her to God’s care, and left his 
home. The great world lay before him, but which 
path to take he knew not. Turning to the cem- 
etery where his parents lay side by side, he wept 
and prayed, kissed the earth that covered them 
three times, and set off on his travels. 

At that moment he felt something hard in the 
folds of his tunic, and pressing on his heart. 
Wondering what it could be, he put in his hand 
and drew thence a charming portrait or his dearly 
loved sister, surrounded with pearls, roses, and 
gold-fish. So great was his astonishment he could 
hardly believe his eyes. But he was very happy, 
and kissed the picture over and over again ; then, 
with one more look at the cemetery, he made the 
sign of the cross and departed. 

Now a beautiful story is soon told, but the acts 
of which it is the sum pass more slowly. 

After many adventures of little importance he 
reached the capital of a kingdom by the sea, and 
there obtained the post of under-gardener at the 
royal palace, with good food and wages. 

In his prosperity he did not forget his imhappy 
sister, for he felt very uneasy about her. When 



10 






TEARS OF PEARLS 


11 


he had a few moments to himself he would sit 
down in some retired spot and gaze upon her por- 
trait with a sad heart and eyes filled with tears. 
For the picture was a faithful likeness of her, and 
he looked upon it as a gift from his parents. 

Now the king had noticed this habit of his, and 
one day while he sat by a stream looking at the 
picture he came quietly behind him, and glanced 
over his shoulder to see what he was so attentively 
regarding. 

“Give me that portrait,” said the monarch. 

The boy handed it to him. The king examined 
it closely, and admiring it greatly, said: “I have 
never seen such a beautiful face in all my life, 
never even dreamed of such loveliness. Come, 
tell me, is the original of the picture living?” 

The lad burst into tears, and told him it was the 
living image of his sister, who a short time since 
had received as a special mark of favor from 
God, that her tears should be changed into pearls, 
her smiles into roses, and the touch of her hands 
in water should produce beautiful gold-fish. 

The king commanded him to write to his step- 
mother at once and bid her send her lovely step- 
daughter to the chapel of the palace, where the 
king would be waiting to marry her. The letter 
also contained promises of special royal favors. 

The lad wrote the letter, which the king sent by 
a special messenger. 

Now a good story is soon told, but the deeds of 
which it is the sum are not performed so quickly. 


12 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


When the stepmother received the letter she de- 
termined to say nothing about it to her stepchild, 
but she showed it to her own daughter, and talked 
the matter over with her. Then she went to learn 
the art of sorcery from a witch, and having found 
out all it was necessary to know, set off with both 
of the girls. On approaching the capital, the 
wicked woman pushed her stepchild out of the 
carriage and repeated some magic words over her. 
After this she became very small and covered 
with feathers, then in a moment she was changed 
into a wild duck. She began to quack and made 
for the water, as ducks do, and swam to a far 
distance. The stepmother bade her farewell in 
the following words: “By the strength of my 
hate may my will be fulfilled. Swim about the 
banks in the form of a duck, and rejoice in thy lib- 
erty. During that time my daughter shall take 
thy form, shall marry the king, and shall enjoy 
the good fortune fate destined for thee.” 

At the conclusion of these words her own child 
became endowed with all the graces and beauty 
of her unfortunate stepsister. The two then con- 
tinued their journey, arriving at the royal chapel 
at the appointed hour. The king received them 
with all honors, while the deceitful woman gave 
away her own daughter, whom the bridegroom 
believed to be the original of the beautiful pic- 
ture. After the ceremony the mother went away 
loaded with presents. The king, as he looked at 
his young wife, could not understand why he did 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


13 


not feel for her the sympathy and admiration he 
had felt for the portrait she so much resembled. 
But it could not be altered now; what is done is 
done. So he admired her beauty and looked for- 
ward to the pleasure of seeing pearls fall from 
her eyes, roses from her lips, and gold-fish at the 
touch of her fingers. 

During the wedding feast the newly-made 
bride forgot herself and smiled at her husband; 
immediately a number of hideous toads escaped 
from her lips. The king, overcome with horror 
and disgust, rushed away from her, upon which 
she began to cry, but instead of pearls, lizards 
fell from her eyes. The majordomo ordered 
water to be brought for her to wash her hands, 
but no sooner had she dipped the tips of her fin- 
gers in the bowl than it was filled with serpents 
that hissed and twisted and threw themselves 
among the wedding guests. The panic was gen- 
eral, and a scene of great confusion followed. 
The guard was called in, and had the greatest 
trouble to clear the hall of the disgusting reptiles. 

The bridegroom had taken refuge in the gar- 
den, and when he saw the young man coming to- 
ward him, whom he thought had deceived him, 
his anger overcame him, and he struck the poor 
lad with so much force that he fell down dead. 

The Queen ran forward sobbing, and taking 
the king by the hand, said: “What have you 
done? You have killed my innocent brother. It 
is neither my fault, nor was it his, that since the 


14 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


wedding I have by some enchantment lost the 
marvelous power I possessed before. This evil 
will pass away in time, but time can never restore 
to me my dear brother, my own mother’s son.” 

“Forgive me, dear wife; in a moment of irrita- 
tion I thought he had deceived me, and I wanted 
to punish him, but did not mean to kill. I regret 
it deeply, but it cannot be helped now. Forgive 
me my fault as I forgive yours, with all my 
heart.” 

“You have my forgiveness, but I beg to see that 
your wife’s brother has an honorable burial.” 

Her wishes were carried out, and the orphan 
lad, who had passed as her brother, was laid in a 
handsome coffin. The chapel was hung with 
black, and at night a guard was placed both inside 
and out. 

Towards midnight the church doors silently 
opened, and while the guards were overcome by 
sleep a pretty little duck entered unnoticed. She 
stopped in the middle of the aisle, shook herself, 
and pulled out her feathers one by one. Then it 
took the form of the beautiful stepdaughter, for 
it was she. She went up to her brother’s coffin 
and stood gazing at him, and as she looked she 
wept sorrowfully. Then she put on her feathers 
again and went out a duck. When the guards 
awoke they were astonished to find a quantity 
of fine pearls in the coffin. Next day they told 
the king that the doors had opened of themselves 
toward midnight, that they had been overcome by 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


15 


sleep, and that on awakening they had found a 
large number of pearls in the coffin, but knew 
not how they got there. The king was very much 
surprised, especially at the appearance of the 
pearls, that ought to have been produced by his 
wife’s tears. On the second night he doubled the 
guard, and impressed upon them the necessity for 
watchfulness. 

At midnight the doors again opened silently as 
before, the soldiers went to sleep, and the same 
little duck entered, and, taking out her feathers, 
appeared as a lovely maiden. She could not help 
smiling as she looked upon the sleeping soldiers, 
the number of which had been doubled on her ac- 
count; and as she smiled a number of roses fell 
from her lips. As she drew near her brother her 
tears fell in torrents, leaving a profusion of fine 
pearls. After some time she put on her feathers 
and went out a duck. When the guards awoke 
they took the roses and the pearls to the king. 
He was still more surprised to see roses with the 
pearls, for these roses should have fallen from his 
wife’s lips. He again increased the number of the 
guard, and threatened them with most severe 
punishment if they failed to watch all night. 
They did their best to obey, but in vain; they could 
only sleep. When they awoke they found, not 
only roses and pearls, but little gold-fish swim- 
ming in the holy water. 

The amazed king could only conclude that their 
sleep was caused by magic. On the fourth night 


16 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


he not only increased the number of soldiers, but, 
unknown to every one, hid himself behind the 
altar, where he hung a mirror, through which he 
could see everything that passed without being 
seen. 

At midnight the doors opened. The soldier, 
under the influence of sleep, had let fall their 
arms and lay on the ground. The king kept his 
eyes fixed on the mirror, through which he saw a 
little wild-duck enter. It lookd timidly round on 
all sides, then, reassured at the sight of the sleep- 
ing guards, advanced to the center of the nave 
and took off its feathers, thus appearing as a 
young maiden of exquisite beauty. 

The king, overwhelmed with joy and admira- 
tion, had a presentiment that this was his true 
bride. So when she drew near the coffin he crept 
noiselessly out of his hiding-place, and with a 
lighted taper set fire to the feathers. They flared 
up immediately, and with such a bright light that 
the soldiers were aroused. The girl ran towards 
the monarch, wringing her hands and weeping 
tears of pearl. 

“What have you done?” cried she. “How can 
I now escape my stepmother’s vengeance? For it 
is by her magic that I have been changed into a 
wild-duck.” 

When the king had heard all, he ordered some 
of the soldiers to seize the wife he had married 
and to take her right out of the country. He sent 
others to take the wicked stepmother prisoner. 


TEARS OF PEARLS 


17 


and to bum her as a witch. Both commands were 
instantly carried out. Meanwhile the girl drew 
from the folds of her gown three small bottles, 
filled with three different kinds of water, which 
she had brought from the sea. 

The first possessed the virtue of restoring life. 
This she sprinkled over her brother, whereupon, 
the chill and rigidity of death disappeared, the 
color came to his face, and warm red blood 
flowed from his wound. Upon the wound she 
poured water from the second bottle, and it was 
immediately healed. When she had made use of 
the third kind of water he opened his eyes, looked 
at her with astonishment, and threw himself joy- 
fully into her arms. 

The king, enraptured at this sight, conducted 
the two back to the palace. 

So instead of a funeral there was a wedding, to 
which a large number of guests were immediately 
invited. Thus the orphan maid was married to 
the king, while her brother became one of His 
Majesty’s nobles. And the magnificence of the 
wedding feast was greater than anything seen or 
heard of. 



THE TWO BROTHERS. 


O NCE upon a time there were two brothers 
whose father had left them but a small 
fortune. The eldest grew very rich, but at the 
same time cruel and wicked, whereas there was 
nowhere a more honest or kinder man than the 
younger. But he remained poor, and had many 
children, so that at times they could scarcely get 
bread to eat. At last, one day there was not even 
this in the house, so he went to his rich brother and 
asked him for a loaf of bread. Waste of time I 
His rich brother only called him beggar and vaga- 
bond, and slammed the door in his face. 

The poor fellow, after this brutal reception, did 
not know which way to turn. Hungry, scantily 
clad, shivering with cold, his legs could scarcely 
carry him along. He had not the heart to go 
home, with nothing for the children, so he went 
toward the mountain forest. But all he found 
there were some wild pears that had fallen to the 
ground. He had to content himself with eating 
these, though they set his teeth on edge. But what 
was he to do to warm himslf, for the east wind 
with its chill blast pierced him through and 
through. “Where shall I go?” he said; “what will 
become of us in the cottage? There is neither 
food nor fire, and my brother has driven me from 


20 


THE TWO BROTHERS 


his door?” It was just then he remembered hav- 
ing heard that the top of the mountain in front 
of him was made of crystal, and had a fire forever 
burning upon it. “I will try and find it,” he 
said, “and then I may be able to warm myself a 
little.” So he went on climbing higher and 
higher till he reached the top, when he was 
startled to see twelve strange beings sitting round 
a huge fire. He stopped for a moment, but then 
said to himself, “What have I to lose? Why 
should I fear? God is with me. Courage!” 

So he advanced towards the fire, and bowing re- 
spectfully, said: “Good people, take pity on my 
distress. I am very poor, no one cares for me, I 
have not even a fire in my cottage; will you let 
me warm myself at yours?” They all looked 
kindly at him, and one of them said: “My son, 
come sit down with us and warm yourself.” 

So he sat down, and felt warm directly he was 
near them. But he dared not speak while they 
were silent. What astonished him most was that 
they changed seats one after another, and in such 
a way that each one passed around the fire and 
came back to his own place. When he drew near 
the fire an old man with long white beard and 
bald head arose from the flames and spoke to 
him thus : 

“Man, waste not thy life here; return to thy 
cottage, work, and live honestly. Take as many 
embers as thou wilt, we have more than we need.” 

And having said this he disappeared. Then 


THE TWO BROTHERS 


21 


the twelve filled a large sack with embers, and, 
putting it on the poor man’s shoulders, advised 
him to hasten home. 

Humbly thanking them, he set off. As he went 
he wondered why the embers did not feel hot, and 
why they should weigh no more than a sack of 
paper. He was thankful that he should be able 
to have a fire, but imagine his astonishment when 
on arriving home he found the sack to contain as 
many gold pieces as there had been embers; he 
almost went out of his mind with joy at the pos- 
session of so much money. With all his heart 
he thanked those who had been so ready to help 
him in his need. 

He was now rich, and rejoiced to be able to 
provide for his family. Being curious to find out 
how many gold pieces there were, and not know- 
ing how to count, he sent his wife to his rich 
brother for the loan of a quart measure. 

This time the brother was in a better temper, 
so he lent what was asked of him, but said mock- 
ingly, “What can such beggars as you have to 
measure?” 

The wife replied, “Our neighbour owes us some 
wheat ; we want to be sure he returns us the right 
quantity.” 

The rich brother was puzzled, and suspecting 
something he, unknown to his sister-in-law, put 
some grease inside the measure. The trick suc- 
ceeded, for on getting it back he found a piece of 
gold sticking to it. Filled with astonishment, he 


22 


THE TWO BROTHERS 


could only suppose his brother had joined a band 
of robbers : so he hurried to his brother’s cottage, 
and threatened to bring him before the Justice of 
the Peace if he did not confess where the gold 
came from. The poor man was troubled, and, 
dreading to offend his brother, told the story of 
his journey to the Crystal Mountain. 

Now the elder brother had plenty of money for 
himself, yet he was envious of the brother’s good 
fortune, and became greatly displeased when he 
found that his brother won every one’s esteem by 
the good use he made of his wealth. At last he 
determined to visit the Crystal Mountain himself. 

‘T may meet with as good luck as my brother,” 
said he to himself. 

Upon reaching the Crystal Mountain he found 
the twelve seated round the fire as before, and 
thus addressed them: 

‘T beg of you, good people, to let me warm 
myself, for it is bitterly cold, and I am poor and 
homeless.” 

But one of them replied, “My son, the hour of 
thy birth was favorable; thou art rich, but a 
miser; thou art wicked, for thou hast dared to lie 
to us. Well dost thou deserve thy punishment.” 

Amazed and terrified he stood silent, not daring 
to speak. Meanwhile the twelve changed places 
one after another, each at last returning to 
his own seat. Then from the midst of the flames 
arose the white-bearded old man and spoke thus 
sternly to the rich man : 


THE TWO BROTHERS 


23 


“Woe unto the wilful! Thy brother is virtuous, 
therefore have I blessed him. As for thee, thou 
art wicked, and so shalt not escape our ven- 
geance.” 

At these words the twelve arose. The first 
seized the unfortunate man, struck him, and 
passed him on to the second ; the second also struck 
him and passed him on to the third; and so did 
they all in their turn, until he was given up to the 
old man, who disappeared with him into the fire. 

Days, weeks, months went by, but the rich 
man never returned, and none knew what had be« 
come of him. I think, between you and me, the 
younger brother had his suspicions but he very 
wisely kept them to himself. 




2A 



TIME AND THE KINGS OF THE 
ELEMENTS. 


HERE was once a married pair who loved 



L each other tenderly. The husband would 
not have given up his wife for all the riches in 
the world, while her first thought was how best to 
please him. So they were very happy, and lived 
like two grains in one ear of corn. 

One day while working in the fields, a great 
longing came over him to see her; so without 
waiting for the hour of sunset he ran home. 
Alas! she was not there. He looked high and 
low, he ran here, there, and everywhere, he wept, 
he called to her; in vain! his dear wife was not to 
be found. 

So heartbroken was he that he no longer cared 
to live. He could think of nothing but the loss 
of his dear wife and how to find her again. At 
last he determined to travel all over the world in 
search of her. So he began to walk straight on, 
trusting God to direct his steps. Sad and thought- 
ful, he wandered for many days, until he reached 
a cottage close by the shores of a large lake. 
Here he stopped, hoping to find out news. On 
entering the cottage he was met by a woman, who 
tried to prevent him entering. 


26 TIME AND KINGS OF THE ELEMENTS 

‘‘What do you want here, unlucky wretch?'’ 
said she. “If my husband sees you, he will kill 
you instantly.” 

“Who is your husband then?” asked the trav- 
eler. 

“What! you do not know him? My husband 
is the Water-King; everything under water obeys 
him. Depart quickly, for if he finds you here he 
will certainly devour you.” 

“Perhaps after all he would take pity on me. 
But hide me somewhere, for I am worn and weary, 
and without shelter for the night.” 

So the Water-Queen was persuaded, and hid 
him behind the stove. Almost immediately after 
the Water-King entered. He had barely crossed 
the threshold when he called out, “Wife, I smell 
human flesh; give it to me quickly, for I am 
hungry.” She dared not disobey him, and so she 
had to tell him of the traveler’s hiding-place. 
The poor man became terribly frightened and 
trembled in every limb, and began to stammer out 
excuses. 

“I assure you I have done no harm. I came 
here in search of news of my poor wife. Oh, do 
help me to find her; I cannot live without her.” 

“Well,” replied the Water-King, “as you love 
your wife so tenderly I will forgive you for com- 
ing here, but I cannot help you to And her, for I 
do not know where she is. Yet I remember seeing 
two ducks on the lake yesterday, perchance she is 
one of them. But I should advise you to ask my 


TIME AND KINGS OF THE ELEMENTS 27 


brother the Fire-King; he may be able to tell you 
more.” 

Happy to have escaped so easily, he thanked 
the Water-King and set out to fed the Fire- 
King. But the latter was unable to help him, 
and could only advise him to consult his brother, 
the Air-King. But the Air- King, though he had 
traveled all over the earth, could only say he 
thought he had seen a woman at the foot of the 
Crystal Mountain. 

But the traveler was cheered at the news, and 
went to seek his wife at the foot of the Crystal 
Mountain, which was close to their cottage. On 
reaching it he began at once to climb the mountain 
by making his way up the bed of the torrent that 
came rushing down there. Several ducks that 
were in the pools near the waterfall called out, 
“My good man, don’t go up there; you’ll be 
killed.” 

But he walked fearlessly on till he came to some 
thatched cottages, at the largest of which he stop- 
ped. Here a crowd of wizards and witches sur- 
rounded him, screaming at the top of their voices, 
“What are you looking for?” 

“My wife,” said he. 

“She is here,” they cried, “but you cannot take 
her away unless you recognize her among two 
hundred women all exactly like her.” 

“What! Not know my own wife? Why, here 
she is,” said he, as he clasped her in his arms. 


28 TIME AND KINGS OF THE ELEMENTS 


And she, delighted to be with him again, kissed 
him fondly. Then she whispered. 

“Dearest, though you knew me to-day I doubt 
whether you will to-morrow, for there will be so ^ 
many of us all alike. Now I will tell you what 
to do. At nightfall go to the top of the Crystal 
Mountain, where live the King of Time and his 
court. Ask him how you may know me. If 
you are good and honest he will help you; if not, 
he will devour you whole at one mouthful.” 

“I will do what you advise, dear one,” he replied 
“but tell me, why did you leave me so suddenly? 
If you only knew what I had suffered! I have 
sought you all over the world.” 

“I did not leave you willingly,” said she. “A 
countryman asked me to come and look at the 
mountain torrent. When we got there he 
sprinkled some water over himself, and at once I 
saw wings growing out of his shoulders, and he 
soon changed his shape entirely into that of a 
drake ; and I too became a duck at the same time, 
and whether I would or no I was obliged to follow 
him. Here I was allowed to resume my own 
form; and now there is but the one difficulty of 
being recognized by you.” 

So they parted, she to join the other women, 
he to continue his way to the Crystal Mountain. 
At the top he found twelve strange beings sitting 
round a large fire: They were the attendants of 
the King of Time. He saluted them respectfully. 

“What dost thou want?” said they. 


TIME AND KINGS OF THE ELEMENTS 29 


‘‘I have lost my dear wife. Can you tell 
me how to recognize her among two hundred 
other women all exactly alike?” 

said they, “but perhaps our King can.” 

Then arose from the midst of the flames an old 
man with bald head and long white beard, who, on 
hearing this request, replied: “Though all these 
women be exactly alike, thy wife will have a black 
thread in the shoe of her right foot.” 

So saying he vanished, and the traveler, thank- 
ing the twelve, descended the mountain. 

Sure it is that without the black thread he would 
never have recognized her. And though the 
Magician tried to hide her, the spell was broken ; 
and the two returned rejoicing to their home, 
where they lived happily ever after. 




THE LOST CHILD. 


L ong long ago there lived a very rich noble- 
man. But though he was so rich he was not 
happy, for he had no children to whom he could 
leave his wealth. He was, besides, no longer 
young. Every day he and his wife went to church 
to pray for a son. At last, after long waiting, 
God sent them what they desired. Now the even- 
ing before its arrival the father dreamed that its 
chance of living would depend upon one condition 
namely, that its feet never touched the earth until 
it was twelve years old. Great care was taken 
that this should be avoided, and when the little 
stranger came, only trustworthy nurses were em- 
ployed to look after him. As the years passed 
on the child was diligently guarded, sometimes 
he was carried in his nurse’s arms, sometimes 
rocked in his golden cradle, but his feet never 
touched the ground. 

Now when the end of the time drew near the 
father began preparations for a magnificent feast 
which should be given to celebrate his son’s release. 
One day while these were in progress a frightful 
noise, followed by most unearthly yells, shook the 
castle. The nurse dropped the child in her terror 
and ran to the window: that instant the noises 


31 


32 


THE LOST CHILD 


ceased. On turning to take up the boy, imagine 
her dismay when she found him no longer there, 
and remembered that she had disobeyed her mas- 
ter’s orders. 

Hearing her screams and lamentations, all the 
servants of the castle ran to her. The father 
soon followed, asking, “What is the matter? 
What has happened? Where is my child?” The 
nurse, trembling and weeping, told of the disap- 
pearance of his son, his only child. No words 
can tell the anguish of the father’s heart. He 
sent servants in every direction to hunt for his boy, 
he gave orders, he begged and prayed, he threw 
away money right and left, he promised every- 
thing if only his son might be restored to him. 
Search was made without loss of time, but no 
trace of him could be discovered ; he had vanished 
as completely as if he had never existed. 

Many years later the unhappy nobleman 
learned that in one of the most beautiful rooms of 
the castle, footsteps, as of someone walking up 
and down, and dismal groans, were heard every 
midnight. Anxious to follow the matter up, for 
he thought it might in some way concern his lost 
son, he made known that a reward of three hun- 
dred gold pieces would be given to anyone who 
would watch for one whole night in the haunted 
room. Many were willing, but had not the cour- 
age to stay till the end; for at midnight, when the 
dismal groans were heard, they would run away 
rather than risk their lives for three hundred gold 


THE LOST CHILD 


33 


pieces. The poor father was in despair, and 
knew not how to discover the truth of this dark 
mystery. 

Now close to the castle dwelt a widow, a miller 
by trade, who had three daughters. They were 
very poor, and hardly earned enough for their 
daily needs. When they heard of the midnight 
noises in the castle and the promised reward, the 
eldest daughter said, “As we are so very poor 
we have nothing to lose; surely we might try to 
earn these three hundred gold pieces by remaining 
in the room one night. I should like to try, mother 
if you will let me.” 

The mother shrugged her shoulders, she hardly 
tnew what to say, but when she thought of their 
poverty and the difficulty they had to earn a liv- 
ing she gave permission for her eldest daughter to 
remain one night in the haunted room. Then the 
daughter went to ask the nobleman’s consent. 

“Have you really the courage to watch for a 
whole night in a room haunted by ghosts? Are 
you sure you are not afraid, my good girl?” 

“I am willing to try this very night,” she re- 
plied. “I would only ask you to give me some 
food to cook for my supper, for I am very hun- 

Orders were given that she should be supplied 
with everything she wanted, and indeed enough 
food was given her, not for one supper only, but 
for three. With the food some dry firewood and 
a candle, she entered the room. Like a good 


34 


THE LOST CHILD 


housewife, she first lit the fire and put on her 
saucepans, then she laid the table and made the 
bed. This filled up the early part of the evening. 
The time passed so quickly that she was surprised 
to hear the clock strike twelve, while at the last 
stroke footsteps, as of someone walking, shook 
the room and dismal groans filled the air. The 
frightened girl ran from one corner to the other, 
but could not see anyone. But the footsteps and 
the groans did not cease. Suddenly a young man 
approached her and asked, “For whom is this food 
cooked?” 

“For myself,” she said. 

The gentle face of the stranger saddened, and 
after a short silence he asked again, “And this 
table, for whom is it laid?” 

“For myself,” she replied. 

The brow of the young man clouded over, and 
the beautiful blue eyes filled with tears as he asked 
once more, “And this bed, for whom have you 
made it?” 

“For myself,” replied she in the same selfish 
and indifferent tone. 

Tears fell from his eyes as he waved his arms 
and vanished. 

Next morning she told the nobleman all that 
had happened, but without mentioning the pain- 
ful impression her answers had made upon the 
stranger. The three hundred golden crowns were 
paid, and the father was thankful to have at last 


THE LOST CHILD 


35 


heard something that might possibly lead to the 
discovery of his son. 

On the following day the second daughter, hav- 
ing been told by her sister what to do and how 
to answer the stranger, went to the castle to offer 
her services. The nobleman willingly agreed, and 
orders were given that she should be provided 
with everything she might want. Without loss 
of time she entered the room, lit the fire, put on 
the saucepans, spread a white cloth upon the table, 
made the bed and awaited the hour of midnight. 
When the young stranger appeared and asked, 
“For whom is this food prepared? for whom is the 
table laid? for whom is the bed made?” she an- 
swered as her sister had bidden her, ‘Tor me, for 
myself only.” 

As on the night before, he burst into tears, 
waved his arms, and suddenly disappeared. 

Next morning she told the nobleman all that 
had happened except the sad impression her an- 
swers had made upon the stranger. The three 
hundred gold pieces were given her, and she went 
home. 

On the third day the youngest daughter wanted 
to try her fortune. 

“Sisters,” said she, “as you have succeeded in 
earning three hundred gold crowns each, and so 
helping our dear mother, I too should like to do 
my part and remain a night in the haunted room.” 

Now the widow loved her youngest daughter 
more dearly than the others, and dreaded to ex- 





THE LOST CHILD 


37 


pose her to any danger; but as the elder ones had 
been successful, she allowed her to take her chance. 
So with the instructions from her sisters as to 
what she would do and say, and with the noble- 
man’s consent and abundant provisions, she en- 
tered the haunted room. Having lit the fire, put 
on the saucepans, laid the table and made the bed, 
she awaited with hope and fear the hour of mid- 
night. 

As twelve o’clock struck, the room was shaken 
by the footsteps of some one who walked up and 
down, and the air was filled with cries and groans. 
The girl looked everywhere, but no living being 
could she see. Suddenly there stood before her a 
young man who asked in a sweet voice, “For 
whom have you prepared this food?” 

Now her sisters had told her how to answer and 
how to act, but when she looked into the sad eyes 
of the stranger she resolved to treat him more 
kindly. 

“Well, you do not answer me; for whom is the 
food prepared?” he asked again impatiently, as 
she made no reply. Somewhat confused, she said, 
“I prepared it for myself, but you too are wel- 
come to it.” 

At these words his brow grew more serene. 

“And this table, for whom is it spread?” 

“For myself, unless you will honor me by be- 
ing my guest.” 

A bright smile illumined his face. 

“And this bed, for whom have you made it?” 


38 


THE LOST CHILD 


“For myself, but if you have need of rest it is 
for you.” 

He clapped his hands for joy and replied, “Ah, 
that’s right; I accept the invitation with pleasure, 
and all that you have been so kind as to offer me. 
But wait, I pray you wait for me; I must first 
thank my kind friends for the care they have 
taken of me.” 

A fresh warm breath of spring filled the air, 
while at the same moment a deep precipice opened 
in the middle of the floor. He descended lightly, 
and she, anxious to see what would happen, fol- 
lowed him, holding on to his mantle. Thus they 
both reached the bottom of the precipice. Down 
there a new world opened itself before her eyes. 
To the right flowed a river of liquid gold, to the 
left rose high mountains of solid gold, in the 
center lay a large meadow covered with millions 
of flowers. The stranger went on, the girl fol- 
lowed imnoticed. And as he went he saluted the 
field flowers as old friends, caressing them and 
leaving them with regret. Then they came to a 
forest where the trees were of gold. Many birds 
of different kinds began to sing, and flying round 
the young stranger perched familiarly on his head 
and shoulders. He spoke to and petted each one. 
While thus engaged, the girl broke off a branch 
from one of the golden trees and hid it in remem- 
brance of this strange land. 

Leaving the forest of gold, they reached a wood 
where all the trees were of silver. Their arrival 


THE LOST CHILD 


39 


was greeted by an immense number of animals of 
various kinds. These crowded together and 
pushed one against another to get close to their 
friend. He spoke to each one and stroked and 
petted them. Meanwhile the girl broke off a 
branch of silver from one of the trees, saying to 
herself, “These will serve me as tokens of this 
wonderful land, for my sisters would not believe 
me if I only told them of it.” 

When the young stranger had taken leave of 
all his friends he returned by the paths he had 
come, and the girl followed without being seen. 
Arrived at the foot of the precipice, he began to 
ascend, she coming silently after, holding on to his 
mantle. Up they went higher and higher, until 
they reached the room in the castle. The floor 
closed up without trace of the opening. The girl 
returned to her place by the fire, where she was 
standing when the young man approached. 

“All my farewells have been spoken,” said he, 
“now we can have supper.” 

She hastened to place upon the table the food 
so hurriedly prepared, and sitting side by side 
they supped together. When they had made a 
good meal he said, “Now it is time to rest.” 

He lay down on the carefully-made bed, and 
the girl placed by his side the gold and silver 
branches she had picked in the Mineral Land. In 
a few moments he was sleeping peacefully. 

Next day the sun was already high in the sky, 
and yet the girl had not come to give an account 


40 


THE LOST CHILD 


of herself. The nobleman became impatient; he 
waited and waited, becoming more and more un- 
easy. At last he determined to go and see for 
himself what had happened. Picture to yourself 
his surprise and joy, when on entering the 
haunted chamber he saw his long-lost son sleeping 
on the bed, while beside him sat the widow's beau- 
tiful daughter. At that moment the son awoke. 
The father, overwhelmed with joy, summoned the 
attendants of the castle to rejoice with him in his 
new-found happiness. 

Then the young man saw the two branches 
of metal, and said with astonishment, “What do 
I see? Did you then follow me down there? 
Know that by this act you have broken the spell 
and released me from the enchantment. These 
two branches will make two palaces for our future 
dwelling.” 

Thereupon he took the branches and threw 
them out of the window. Immediately there 
were seen two magnificent palaces, one of gold, 
the other of silver. And there they lived happily 
as man and wife, the nobleman’s son and the mil- 
ler’s daughter. And if not dead they live there 
still. 


THE SUN; OR, THE THREE GOLDEN 
HAIRS OF THE OLD MAN OF 
VSEVEDE. 

C AN this be a true story? It is said that once 
there was a king who was exceedingly fond 
of hunting the wild beasts in his forests. One day 
he followed a stag so far and so long that he lost 
his way. Alone and overtaken by night, he was 
glad to find himself near a small thatched cottage 
in which lived a charcoal-burner. 

“Will you kindly show me the way to the high- 
road? You shall be handsomely rewarded.” 

“I would willingly,” said the charcoal-burner, 
“but God is going to send my wife a little child, 
and I cannot leave her alone. Will you pass 
the night under our roof? There is a truss of 
sweet hay in the loft where you may rest, and to- 
morrow morning I will be your guide.” , 

The king accepted the invitation and went to 
bed in the loft. Shortly after a son was born to 
the charcoal-burner’s wife. But the king could 
not sleep. At midnight he heard noises in the 
house, and looking through a crack in the flooring 
he saw the charcoal-burner asleep, his wife almost 
in a faint, and by the side of the newly-born babe 
three old women dressed in white, each holding a 

41 _ 



42 




THE SUN 


43 * 


lighted taper in her hand, and all talking together. 
Now these were the three Soudiche or Fates, you 
must know. 

The first said, “On this boy I bestow the gift 
of confronting great dangers.” 

The second said, ‘T bestow the power of happily 
escaping all these dangers, and of living to a good 
old age.” 

The third said, ‘T bestow upon him for wife the 
princess born at the selfsame hour as he, and 
daughter of the very king sleeping above in the 
loft.” 

At these words the lights went out and silence 
reigned around. 

Now the king was greatly troubled, and won- 
dered exceedingly; he felt as if he had received 
a sword-thrust in the chest. He lay awake all 
night thinking how to prevent the words of the 
Fates from coming true. 

With the first glimmer of morning light the 
baby began to cry. The charcoal-burner, on go- 
ing over to it, found that his wife was dead. 

“Poor little orphan,” he said sadly, “what will 
become of thee without a mother’s care?” 

“Confide this child to me,” said the king, “I 
will look after it. He shall be well provided for. 
You shall be given a sum of money large enough 
to keep you without having to burn charcoal.” 

The poor man gladly agreed, and the king 
went away promising to send some one for the 
child. The queen and courtiers thought it would 


44 


THE SUN 


be an agreeable surprise for the king to hear that 
a charming little princess had been born on the 
night he was away. But instead of being pleased 
he frowned, and calling one of his servants, said 
to him, “Go to the charcoal-burner’s cottage in the 
forest, and give the man this purse in exchange 
for a new-born infant. On your way back drown 
the child. See well that he is drowned, for if he 
should in any way escape you yourself shall suf- 
fer in his place.” 

The servant was given the child in a basket, and 
on reaching the center of a narrow bridge that 
stretched across a wide and deep river, he threw 
both basket and baby into the water. 

“A prosperous journey to you, Mr. Son-in- 
Law,” said the king on hearing the servant’s? 
story: for he fully believed the child was drowned. 
But it was far from being the case; the little one 
was floating happily along in its basket cradle, and 
slumbering as sweetly as if his mother had sung 
him to sleep. Now it happened that a fisherman, 
who was mending his nets before his cottage door, 
saw the basket floating down 'the river. He 
jumped at once into his boat, picked it up, and 
ran to tell his wife the good news. 

“Look,” said he, “you have always longed for 
a son; here is a beautiful little boy the river has 
sent us.” 

The woman was delighted, and took the infant 
and loved it as her own child. They named him 


THE SUN 


45 


Plavacek (the floater), because he had come to 
them floating on the water. 

The river flowed on. Years passed away. The 
little baby grew into a handsome youth ; in all the 
villages round there were none to compare with 
him. Now it happened that one summer day the 
king was riding unattended. And the heat be- 
ing very great he reined in his horse before the 
fisherman’s door to ask for a drink of water. 
Plavacek brought the water. The king looked 
at him attentively, then turning to the fisherman, 
said, “That is a good-looking lad; is he your son?” 

“He is and he isn’t,” replied the fisherman. “I 
found him, when he was quite a tiny baby, 
floating down the stream in a basket. So we 
adopted him and brought him up as our own son.” 

The king turned as pale as death, for he guessed 
that he was the same child he had ordered to be 
drowned. Then recovering himself he got down 
from his horse and said : ‘T want a trusty messen- 
ger to take a letter to the palace, could you send 
him with it?” 

“With pleasure! Your majesty may be sure 
of its safe delivery.” 

Thereupon the king wrote to the queen as fol- 
lows — 

“The man who brings you this letter is the most 
dangerous of all my enemies. Have his head 
cut off at once; no delay, no pity, he must be ex- 
ecuted before my return. Such is my will and 
pleasure.” 


46 


THE SUN 


This he carefully folded and sealed with the 
royal seal. 

Plavacek took the letter and set off immedi- 
ately. But the forest through which he had to 
pass was so large, and the trees so thick, that he 
missed the path and was overtaken by the darkness 
before the journey was nearly over. In the midst 
of his trouble he met an old woman who said, 
“Where are you going, Plavacek? Where are 
you going?” 

“I am the bearer of a letter from the king to 
the queen, but have missed the path to the palace. 
Could you, good mother, put me on the right 
road?” 

“Impossible to-day, my child; it is getting dark, 
and you would not have time to get there. Stay 
with me to-night. You will not be with strangers, 
for I am your godmother.” 

Plavacek agreed. Thereupon they entered a 
pretty little cottage that seemed suddenly to sink 
into the earth. Now while he slept the old woman 
changed his letter for another, which ran thus: — 

“Immediately upon the receipt of this letter in- 
troduce the bearer to the princess, our daughter. 
I have chosen this young man for my son-in-law, 
and it is my wish they should be married before 
my return to the palace. Such is my pleasure.” 

The letter was duly delivered, and when the 
queen had read it, she ordered everything to be 
prepared for the wedding. Both she and her 
daughter greatly enjoyed Plavacek’s society, and 


THE SUN 


47 


nothing disturbed the happiness of the newly 
married pair. 

Within a few days the king returned, and on 
hearing what had taken place was very angry with 
the queen. 

“But you expressly bade me have the wedding 
before your return. Come, read your letter again, 
here it is,” said she. 

He closely examined the letter; the paper, 
handwriting, seal — all were undoubtedly his. He 
then called his son-in-law, and questioned him 
about his journey. Plavacek hid nothing: he 
told how he had lost his way, and how he had 
passed the night in a cottage in the forest. 

“What was the old woman like?” asked the 
king. 

From Plavacek’s description the king knew it 
was the very same who, twenty years before, had 
foretold the marriage of the princess with the 
charcoal-burner’s son. After some moments’ 
thought the king said, “What is done is done. 
But you will not become my son-in-law so easily. 
No, i’ faith! As a wedding present you must 
bring me three golden hairs from the head of 
Dede- Vsevede.” 

In this way he thought to get rid of his son-in- 
law, whose very presence was distasteful to him. 
The young fellow took leave of his wife and set 
off. “I know not which way to go,” said he to 
himself, “but my godmother the witch will surely 
help me.” 


48 


. THE SUN 


But he found the way easily enough. He 
walked on and on and on for a long time over 
mountain, valley, and river, until he reached the 
shores of the Black Sea. There he found a boat 
and boatman. 

“May God bless you, old boatman,” said he. 

“And you, too, my young traveler. Where 
are you going?” 

“To Dede-VsevMe’s castle for three of his 
golden hairs. 

“Ah, then you are very welcome. For a long 
weary while I have been waiting for such a mes- 
senger as you. I have been ferrying passengers 
across for these twenty years, and not one of 
them has done anything to help me. If you will 
promise to ask Dede-Vsevede when I shall be re- 
leased from my toil I will row you across.” 

Plavacek promised, and was rowed to the op- 
posite bank. He continued his journey on foot 
until he came in sight of a large town half in 
ruins, near which was passing a funeral proces- 
sion. The king of that country was following 
his father’s coffin, and with the tears running 
down his cheeks. 

“May God comfort you in your distress,” said 
Plavecek. 

“Thank you, good traveler. Where are you 
going?” 

“To the house of Dede-Vsevede in quest of 
three of his golden hairs.” 

“To the house of Dede-VsevMe? indeed! What 



49 





50 


THE SUN 


a pity you did not come sooner, we have long been 
expecting such a messenger as you. Come and 
see me by and bye.” 

When Plavacek presented himself at court the 
king said to him : 

“We understand you are on your way to the 
house of Dede-VsevMe? Now we have an apple 
tree here that bears the fruit of everlasting youth. 
One of these apples eaten by a man, even though 
he be dying, will cure him and make him young 
again. For the last twenty years neither fruit 
nor flower has been found on this tree. Will you 
ask Dede-Vsevede the cause of it?” 

“That I will, with pleasure.” 

Then Plavacek continued his journey, as he 
went he came to a large and beautiful city where 
all was sad and silent. Near the gate was an old 
man who leaned on a stick and walked with diffi- 
culty. 

“May God bless you, good old man.” 

“And you, too, my handsome young traveler. 
Where are you going?” 

“To Dede-Vsevede’s palace in search of three 
of his golden hairs.” 

Ah, you are the very messenger I have so long 
waited for. Allow me to take you to my master 
the king.” 

On their arrival at the palace, the king said, 
“I hear you are an ambassador to Dede-Vsevede. 
We have here a well, the water of which renews 
itself. So wonderful are its effects that invalids 


THE SUN 


51 


are immediately cured on drinking it, while a few 
drops sprinkled on a corpse will bring it to life 
again. For the past twenty years this well has re- 
mained dry: if you will ask old Dede-Vsevede 
how the flow of water may be restored I will re- 
ward you royally.” 

Plavacek promised to do so, and was dismissed 
with good wishes. He then traveled through 
deep dark forests, in the midst of which might be 
seen a large meadow ; out of it grew lovely flowers 
and in the center stood a castle built of gold. It 
was the home of Dede-Vsevede. So brilliant with 
light was it that it seemed to be built of fire. 
When he entered there was no one there but an 
old woman spinning. 

“Greeting, Plavacek, I am well pleased to see 
you.” 

She was his godmother, who had given him shel- 
ter in her cottage when he was the bearer of the 
king’s letter. 

“Tell me what brings you here from such a dis- 
tance,” she went on. 

“The king would not have me for his son-in- 
law, unless I first got him three golden hairs from 
the head of Dede-Vsevede. So he sent me here 
to fetch them.” 

The Fate laughed. “DMe-VsevMe indeed! 
Why, I am his mother, it is the shining sun him- 
self. He is a child at morning time, a grown 
man at midday, a decrepit old man, looking as if 
he had lived a hundred years, at eventide. But I 


52 


THE SUN 


will see that you have the three hairs from his 
head ; I am not your godmother for nothing. All 
the same you must not remain here. My son is a 
good lad, but when he comes home he is hungry, 
and would very probably order you to be roasted 
for his supper. Now I will turn this empty 
bucket upside down, and you shall hide under- 
neath it.” 

Plavacek begged the Fate to obtain from Dede- 
Vsevede the answers to the three questions he had 
been asked. 

“I will do so certainly, but you must listen to 
what he says.” 

Suddenly a blast of wind howled round the 
palace, and the Sun entered by a western window. 
He was an old man with golden hair. 

‘‘I smell human flesh,” cried he, “I am sure of 
it. Mother, you have some one here.” 

“Star of day,” she replied, ‘whom could I have 
here that you would not see sooner than I? The 
fact is that in your daily journeys the scent of 
human flesh is always with you, so when you come 
home at evening it clings to you still.” 

The old man said nothing, and sat down to 
supper. When he had finished he laid his golden 
head on the Fate’s lap and went to sleep. Then 
she pulled out a hair and threw it on the ground. 
It fell with a metallic sound like the vibration of 
a guitar string. 

“What do you want, mother?” asked he. 


THE SUN 


53 


“Nothing, my son; I was sleeping and had a 
strange dream.” 

“What was it, mother?” 

“I thought I was in a place where there was a 
well, and the well was fed from a spring, the 
water of which cured all diseases. Even the dy- 
ing were restored to health on drinking that water 
and the dead who were sprinkled with it came to 
life again. For the last twenty years the well has 
run dry. What must be done to restore the flow 
of water?” 

“That is very simple. A frog has lodged it- 
self in the opening of the spring, this prevents 
the flow of water. Kill the frog, and the water 
will return to the well.” 

He slept again, and the old woman pulled out 
another golden hair, and threw it on the ground. 

“Mother, what do you want?” 

“Nothing, my son, nothing; I was dreaming. 
In my dream I saw a large town, the name of 
which I have forgotten. And there grew an 
apple-tree the fruit of which had the power to 
make the old young again. A single apple eaten 
by an old man would restore to him the vigor and 
freshness of youth. For twenty years this tree 
has not borne fruit. What can be done to make 
it fruitful?” 

“The means are not difficult. A snake hidden 
among the roots destroys the sap. Kill the snake, 
transplant the tree, and the fruit will grow as be- 
fore.” 


54 


THE SUN 


He again fell asleep, and the old woman pulled 
out another golden hair. 

“Now look here, mother, why will you not let 
me sleep?” said the old man, really vexed; and 
he would have got up. 

“Lie down, my darling son, do not disturb 
yourself. I am sorry I awoke you, but I have 
had a very strange dream. It seemed that I saw 
a boatman on the shores of the Black Sea, and he 
complained that he had been toiling at the ferry 
for twenty years without any one having come to 
take his place. For how much longer must this 
poor old man continue to row?” 

“He is a silly fellow. He has but to place his 
oars in the hands of the first comer and jump 
ashore. Whoever receives the oars will replace 
him as ferryman. But leave me in peace now, 
mother, and do not wake me again. I have to 
rise very early, and must first dry the eyes of a 
princess. The poor thing spends all night weep- 
ing for her husband who has been sent by the king 
to get three of my golden hairs.” 

Next morning the wind whistled around DMe- 
VsevMe’s palace, and instead of an old man, a 
beautiful child with golden hair awoke on the old 
woman’s lap. It was the glorious sun. He bade 
her good-bye, and flew out of the eastern window. 
The old woman turned up the bucket and said to 
Plavacek, “Look, here are the three golden hairs. 
You now know the answers to your questions. 
May God direct you and send you a prosperous 


THE SUN 


55 


journey. You will not see me again, for you will 
have no further need of me.” 

He thanked her gratefully and left her. On 
arriving at the town with the dried-up well, he 
was questioned by the king as to what news he 
had brought. 

“Have the well carefully cleaned out,” said he, 
kill the frog that obstructs the spring, and the 
wonderful water will flow again.” 

The king did as he was advised, and rejoiced 
to see the water return. He gave Plavacek twelve 
swan-white horses, and as much gold and silver 
as they could carry. 

On reaching the second town and being asked 
by the king what news he had brought, he replied, 
“Excellent; one could not wish for better. Dig 
up you apple-tree, kill the snake that lies among 
the roots, transplant the tree, and it will produce 
apples like those of former times.” 

And all turned out as he had said, for no sooner 
was the tree replanted than it was covered with 
blossoms that gave it the appearance of a sea of 
roses. The delighted king gave him twelve 
raven-black horses, laden with as much wealth as 
they could carry. He then journeyed to the 
shores of the Black Sea. There the boatman 
questioned him as to what news he had brought 
respecting his release. Plavacek first crossed with 
his twenty-four horses to the opposite bank, and 
then replied that the boatman might gain his free- 


56 


THE SUN 


dom by placing the oars in the hands of the first 
traveler who wished to be ferried over. 

Plavacek’s royal father-in-law could not believe 
his eyes when he saw Dede-VsevMe’s three golden 
hairs. As for the princess, his young wife, she 
wept tears, but of jov, not sadness, to see her 
dear one again, and she said to him, “How did you 
get such splendid horses and so much wealth, 
dear husband?” 

And he answered her, “All this represents the 
price paid for the weariness of spirit I have felt; 
it is the ready money for hardships endured and 
services given. Thus, I showed one king how to 
regain possession of the Apples of Youth: to an- 
other I told the secret of reopening the spring of 
water that gives health and life.” 

“Apples of Youth! Water of Life!” inter- 
rupted the king. “I will certainly go and find 
these treasures for myself. Ah, what joy! hav- 
ing eaten of these apples I shall become young 
again; having drunk of the Water of Immortal- 
ity, I shall live forever.” 

And he started off in search of these treasures. 
But he has not yet returned from his search. 


THE TWELVE MONTHS. 


HERE was once a widow who had two 



daughters, Helen, her own child by her 
dead husband, and Marouckla, his daughter by 
his first wife. She loved Helen, but hated the 
poor orphan, because she was far prettier than 
her own daughter. Marouckla did not think 
about her good looks, and could not understand 
why her stepmother should be angry at the sight 
of her. The hardest work fell to her share; she 
cleaned out the rooms, cooked, washed, sewed, 
spun, wove, brought in the hay, milked the cow, 
and all this without any help. Helen, meanwhile, 
did nothing but dress herself in her best clothes 
and go to one amusement after another. But 
Marouckla never complained ; she bore the scold- 
ings and bad temper of mother and sister with a 
smile on her lips, and the patience of a lamb. But 
this angelic behavior did not soften them. They 
became even more tyrannical and grumpy, for 
Marouckla grew daily more beautiful, while 
Helen’s ugliness increased. So the stepmother 
determined to get rid of Marouckla, for she knew 
that while she remained, her own daughter would 
have no suitors. Hunger, every kind of priva- 
tion. abuse, every means was used to make the 










THE TWELVE MONTHS 


59 


girl’s life miserable. The most wicked of men 
could not have been more mercilessly cruel than 
these two vixens. But in spite of it all Marouckla 
grew ever sweeter and more charming. 

One day in the middle of winter Helen wanted 
some wood-violets. 

“Listen,” cried she to Marouckla; “you must 
go up the mountain and find me some violets, I 
want some to put in my gown; they must be fresh 
and sweet-scented — do you hear?” 

“But, my dear sister, who ever heard of violets 
blooming in the snow?” said the poor orphan. 

“You wretched creature! Do you dare to dis- 
obey me?” said Helen. “Not another word; off 
with you. If you do not bring me some violets 
from the mountain forest, I will kill you.” 

The stepmother also added her threats to those 
of Helen, and with vigorous blows they pushed 
Marouckla outside and shut the door upon her. 
The weeping girl made her way to the mountain. 
The snow lay deep, and there was no trace of 
any human being. Long she wandered hither 
and thither, and lost herself in the wood. She was 
hungry, and shivered with cold, and prayed to die. 
Suddenly she saw a light in the distance, and 
climbed towards it, till she reached the top of the 
mountain. Upon the highest peak burnt a large 
fire, surrounded by twelve blocks of stone, on 
which sat twelve strange beings. Of these the first 
three had white hair, three were not quite so old, 


60 


THE TWELVE MONTHS 


three were young and handsome, and the rest still 
younger. 

There they all sat silently looking at the fire. 
They were the twelve months of the year. The 
great Setchene ( January) was placed higher than 
the others; his hair and moustache were white as 
snow, and in his hand he held a wand. At first 
Marouckla was afraid, but after a while her cour- 
age returned, and drawing near she said: 

“Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? 
I am chilled by the winter cold.” 

The great Setchene raised his head and an- 
swered : 

“What brings thee here, my daughter? What 
dost thou seek?” 

“I am looking for violets,” replied the maiden. 

“This is not the season for violets; dost thou 
not see the snow everywhere?” said Setchene. 

“I know well, but my sister Helen and my step- 
mother have ordered me to bring them violets 
from your mountain: if I return without them 
they will kill me. I pray you, good shepherds, 
tell me where they may be found?” 

Here the great Setchene arose and went over to 
the youngest of the months, and placing his wand 
in his hand, said : 

“Brother Brezene (March), do thou take the 
highest place.” 

Brezene obeyed, at the same time waving his 
wand over the fire. Immediately the flames rose 
towards the sky, the snow began to melt and the 


THE TWELVE MONTHS 


61 


trees and shrubs to bud; the grass became green, 
and from between its blades peeped the pale prim- 
rose. It was spring, and the meadows were blue 
with violets. 

“Gather them quickly, Marouckla,” said Brez- 
ene. 

Joyfully she hastened to pick the flowers, and 
having soon a large bunch she thanked them and 
ran home. Helen and the stepmother were amazed 
at the sight of the flowers, the scent of which filled 
the house. 

“Where did you find them?” asked Helen. 

“Under the trees on the mountain slope,” said 
Marouckla. Helen kept the flowers for herself 
and her mother ; she did not even thank her step- 
sister for the trouble she had taken. The next 
day she desired Marouckla to fetch her straw- 
berries. 

“Run,” said she, “and fetch me strawberries 
from the mountain: they must be very sweet and 
ripe.” 

“But who ever heard of strawberries ripening 
in the snow?” exclaimed Marouckla. 

“Hold your tongue, worm; don’t answer me; 
if I don’t have my strawberries I will kill you.” 

Then the stepmother pushed her into the yard 
and bolted the door. The unhappy girl made her 
way towards the mountain and to the large fire 
round which sat the twelve months. The great 
Setchene occupied the highest place. 

“Men of God, may I warm myself at your 


62 


THE TWELVE MONTHS 


fire? The winter cold chills me,” said she, draw- 
ing near. 

The great Setchene raised his head and asked : 

“Why earnest thou here? What dost thou 
seek?” 

“I am looking for strawberries,” said she. 

“We are in the midst of winter,” replied Set- 
chene; “strawberries do not grow in the snow.” 

“I know,” said the girl sadly, “but my sister 
and stepmother have ordered me to bring them 
strawberries ; if I do not they will kill me. Pray, 
good shepherds, tell me where to find them.” 

The great Setchene arose, crossed over to the 
month opposite him, and putting the wand into 
his hand, said: 

“Brother Tchervene (June), do thou take the 
highest place.” 

Tchervene obeyed, and as he waved his wand 
over the fire the flames leapt towards the sky. 
Instantly the snow melted, the earth was covered 
with verdure, trees were clothed with leaves, birds 
began to sing, and various flowers blossomed in 
the forests. It was summer. Under the bushes 
masses of star-shaped flowers changed into ripen- 
ing strawberries. Before Marouckla had time to 
cross herself they covered the glade, making it 
look like a sea of blood. 

“Gather them quickly, Marouckla/’ said Tcher- 
vene. 

Joyfully she thanked the months, and having 
filled her apron ran happily home. Helen and her 


THE TWELVE MONTHS 


63 


mother wondered at seeing the strawberries, which 
filled the house with their delicious fragrance. 

“Wherever did you find them?” asked Helen 
crossly. 

“Right up among the mountains; those from 
under the beech trees are not bad.” 

Helen gave a few to her mother and ate the rest 
herself; not one did she offer to her stepsister. 
Being tired of strawberries, on the third day she 
took a fancy for some fresh red apples. 

“Run, Marouckla,”. said she, “and fetch me 
fresh red apples from the mountain.” 

“Apples in winter, sister? why, the trees have 
neither leaves nor fruit.” 

“Idle girl, go this minute,” said Helen; “un- 
less you bring back apples we will kill you.” 

As before, the stepmother seized her roughly 
and turned her out of the house. The poor girl 
went weeping up the mountain, across the deep 
snow upon which lay no human footprint, and on 
towards the fire round which were the twelve 
months. Motionless sat they, and on the highest 
stone was the great Setchene. 

“Men of God, may I warm myself at your fire? 
The winter cold chills me,” said she, drawing near. 

The great Setchene raised his head. 

“Why com’st thou here? What dost thou 
seek?” asked he. 

“I am come to look for red apples,” replied 
Marouckla. 


64 


THE TWELVE MONTHS 


“But this is winter, and not the season for red 
apples,” observed the great Setchene. 

“I know,” answered the girl, “but my sister and 
stepmother sent me to fetch red apples from the 
mountain; if I return without them they will kill 
me.” 

Thereupon the great Setchene arose and went 
over to one of the elderly months, to whom he 
handed the wand, saying : 

“Brother Zare (September), do thou take the 
highest place.” 

Zare moved to the highest stone and waved his 
wand over the fire. There was a flare of red flames, 
the snow disappeared, but the fading leaves which 
trembled on the trees were sent by a cold north- 
east wind in yellow masses to the glade. Only a 
few flowers of autumn were visible, such as the 
fleabane and red gillyflower, autumn colchicums 
in the ravine, and under the beeches bracken and 
tufts of northern heather. At first Marouckla 
looked in vain for red apples. Then she espied a 
tree which grew at a great height, and from the 
branches of this hung the bright red fruit. Zare 
ordered her to gather some quickly. The girl was 
delighted and shook the tree. First one apple fell, 
then another. 

“That is enough,” said Zare, “hurry home.” 

Thanking the months, she returned joyfully. 
Helen marveled and the stepmother wondered at 
seeing the fruit. 


THE TWELVE MONTHS 


65 


“Where did you gather them?” asked the step- 
sister. 

“There are more on the mountain top,” an- 
swered Marouckla. 

“Then why did yon not bring more?” said 
Helen angrily; “you must have eaten them on 
your way back, you wicked girl.” 

“No, dear sister, I have not even tasted them,” 
said Marouckla. “I shook the tree twice; one 
apple fell each time. I was not allowed to shake 
it again, but was told to return home.” 

“May Perum smite you with his thunderbolt,” 
said Helen, striking her. 

Marouckla prayed to die rather than suffer 
such ill-treatment. Weeping bitterly, she took 
refuge in the kitchen. Helen and her mother 
found the apples more delicious than any they had 
ever tasted, and when they had eaten both longed 
for more. 

“Listen, mother,” said Helen. “Give me my 
cloak; I will fetch some more apples myself, or 
else that good-for-nothing wretch will eat them 
all on the way. I shall be able to find the moun- 
tain and the tree. The shepherds may cry ‘Stop,’ 
but I shall not leave go till I have shaken down 
all the apples.” 

In spite of her mother’s advice she put on her 
pelisse, covered her head with a warm hood, and 
took the road to the mountain. The mother stood 
and watched her till she was lost in the distance. 

Snow covered everything, not a human foot- 


66 


THE TWELVE MONTHS 


print was to be seen on its surface. Helen lost 
herself and wandered hither and thither. After 
a while she saw a light above her, and following in 
its direction reached the mountain top. There was 
the flaming fire, the twelve blocks of stone, and 
the twelve months. At first she was frightened 
and hesitated; then she came nearer and warmed 
her hands. She did not ask permission, nor did 
she speak one polite word. 

“What has brought thee here? What dost thou 
seek?” said the great Setchene severely. 

‘T am not obliged to tell you, old greybeard; 
what business is it of yours?” she replied disdain- 
fully, turning her back on the fire and going to- 
wards the forest. 

The great Setchene frowned, and waved his 
wand over his head. Instantly the sky became 
covered with clouds, the fire went down, snow fell 
in large flakes, an icy wind howled around the 
mountain. Amid the fury of the storm Helen 
added curses against her step-sister. The pelisse 
failed to warm her benumbed limbs. The mother 
kept on waiting for her; she looked from the win- 
dow, she watched from the doorstep, but her 
daughter came not. The hours passed slowly, 
but Helen did not return. 

“Can it be that the apples have charmed her 
from her home?” thought the mother. Then she 
clad herself in hood and pelisse and went in search 
of her daughter. Snow fell in huge masses; it 
covered all things, it lay untouched by human 


THE TWELVE MONTHS 


67 


footsteps. For long she wandered hither and 
thither; the icy northeast wind whistled in the 
mountain, but no voice answered her cries. 

Day after day Marouckla worked and prayed, 
and waited; but neither stepmother nor sister re- 
turned, they had been frozen to death on the 
mountain. The inheritance of a small house, a 
field, and a cow fell to Marouckla. In course of 
time an honest farmer came to share them with 
her, and their lives were happy and peaceful. 




6B 










KINKACHO MARTINKO. 


O NCE upon a time there was a poor woman 
who had an only daughter, named Helen, 
a very lazy girl. One day when she had refused 
to do a single thing, her mother took her down to 
the banks of a stream and began to strike her 
fingers with a flat stone, just as you do in beat- 
ing linen to wash it. 

The girl cried a good deal. A prince. Lord 
of the Red Castle, happened at that moment to 
pass by, and inquired as to the cause of such treat- 
ment, for it horrified him that a mother should so 
ill-use her child. 

“Why should I not punish her?” answered the 
woman. 

“The idle girl can do nothing but spin hemp in- 
to gold thread.” 

“Really?” cried he. “Does she really know 
how to spin gold thread out of hemp? If that be 
so, sell her to me.” 

“Willingly; how much will you' give me for 
her?” 

“Half a measure of gold.” 

“Take her,” said the mother; and she gave him 
her daughter as soon as the money was paid. 

The prince placed the girl behind him on the 
saddle, put spurs to his horse, and took her home. 

69 


70 


KINKACHO MARTINKO 


On reaching the Red Castle, the prince led 
Helen into a room filled from floor to ceiling with 
hemp, and having supplied her with distaif and 
spinning-wheel, said, “When you have spun all 
this hemp into gold thread I will make you my 
wife.” 

Then he went out, locking the door after him. 

On finding herself a prisoner, the poor girl 
wept as if her heart would break. Suddenly she 
saw a very odd-looking little man seated on the 
window-sill. He wore a red cap, and his boots 
were made of some strange sort of material. 

“Why do you weep so?” he asked. 

“I cannot help it,” she replied, “I am but a mis- 
erable slave. I have been ordered to spin all this 
hemp into gold thread, but it is impossible, I can 
never do it, and I know not what will become of 
me.” 

“I will do it for you in three days, on condition 
that at the end of that time you guess my right 
name, and tell me what the boots I am wearing 
now are made of.” 

Without for one moment reflecting as to 
whether she would be able to guess aright she con- 
sented. The uncanny little man burst out laugh- 
ing and, taking her distaff set to work at once. 

All day as the distaff moved the hemp grew 
visibly less, while the skein of gold thread became 
larger and larger. 

The little man spun all the time, and, without 
stopping an instant, explained to Helen how to 


KINKACHO MARTINKO 


71 


make thread of pure gold. As night drew on he 
tied up the skein, saying to the girl, “Well, do you 
know my name yet? Can you tell me what my 
boots are made of?” 

Helen replied that she could not, upon which 
he grinned and disappeared through the window. 
She then sat and looked at the sky, and thought, 
and thought, and thought, and lost herself in con- 
jecturing as to what the little man’s name might 
be, and in trying to guess what was the stuff his 
boots were made of. Were they of leather? or 
perhaps plaited rushes? or straw? or cast iron? 
No, they did not look like anything of that sort. 
And as to his name — that was a still more difficult 
problem to solve. 

“What shall I call him?” said she to herself — 
“John? Or Henry? Who knows? perhaps it is 
Paul or Joseph.” 

These thoughts so filled her mind that she for- 
got to eat her dinner. Her meditations were in- 
terrupted by cries and groans from outside, where 
she saw an old man with white hair sitting under 
the castle wall. 

“Miserable old man that I am,” cried he; “I die 
of hunger and thirst, but no one pities my suffer- 
ings.” 

Helen hastened to give him her dinner, and 
told him to come next day, which he promised to 
do. 

After again thinking for some time what an- 


72 


KINKACHO MARTINKO 


swers she should give the little old man, she fell 
asleep on the hemp. 

The little old man did not fail to make his ap- 
pearance the first thing next morning, and re- 
mained all day spinning the gold thread. The 
work progressed before their eyes, and it was only 
when evening came that he repeated his questions. 
Not receiving a satisfactory answer, he vanished 
in a fit of mocking laughter. Helen sat down by 
the window to think; but think as she might, no 
answer to these puzzling questions occurred to 
her. 

While thus wondering the hungry old man 
again came by, and she gave him her dinner. She 
was heart-sick and her eyes were full of tears, for 
she thought she would never guess the spinner’s 
name, nor of what stuff his boots were made, un- 
less perhaps God would help her. 

“Why are you so sad?” asked the old man when 
he had eaten and drunk ; “tell me the cause of your 
grief, dear lady.” 

For a long time she would not tell him, think- 
ing it would be useless ; but at last, yielding to his 
entreaties, she gave a full account of the condi- 
tions under which the gold thread was made, ex- 
plaining that unless she could answer the little old 
man’s questions satisfactorily she feared some 
great misfortune would befall her. The old man 
listened attentively, then, nodding his head, he 
said: 

“In coming through the forest to-day I passed 


KINKACHO MARTINKO 


73 


close to a large pile of burning wood, around 
which were placed nine iron pots. A little man in 
a red cap was running around and jumping over 
them, singing these words: 


“My sweet friend, fair Helen, at the Red Castle near. 
Two days and two nights seeks my name to divine. 
She’ll never find out, so the third night 'tis clear. 

My sweet friend, fair Helen, can’t fail to be mine. 
Hurrah! for my name is Kinkacho Martinko, 

Hurrah ! for my boots are of doggies’ skin O !” 


“Now that is exactly what you want to know, 
my dear girl; so do not forget, and you are 
saved.” 

And with these words the old man vanished. 

Helen was greatly astonished, but she took care 
to fix in her memory all that the good fellow had 
told her, and then went to sleep, feeling that she 
could face to-morrow without fear. 

On the third day, very early in the morning, 
the little old man appeared and set busily to work, 
for he knew that all the hemp must be spun before 
sunset, and that then he should be able to claim 
his rights. When evening came all the hemp was 
gone, and the room shone with the brightness of 
the golden thread. 

As soon as his work was done, the queer little 
old man with the red cap drew himself up with a 
great deal of assurance, and with his hands in his 
pockets strutted up and down before Helen, or- 
dering her to tell him his right name and to say 


74 - 


KINKACHO MARTINKO 


of what stuff the boots were made: but he felt 
certain that she would not be able to answer 
aright. ' 

“Your name is Kinkacho Martinko, and your 
boots are made of dogskin,” she replied without 
the slightest hesitation. 

At these words he spun around on the floor like 
a bobbin, tore out his hair and beat his breast with 
rage, roaring so that the very walls trembled. 

“It is lucky for you that you have guessed. If 
you had not, I should have torn you to pieces 
on this very spot:” so saying he rushed out of the 
window like a whirlwind. 

Helen felt deeply grateful toward the old man 
who had told her the answers, and hoped to be 
able to thank him in person. But he never ap- 
peared again. 

The Prince of the Red Castle was very pleased 
with her for having accomplished her task so 
punctually and perfectly, and he married her as 
he had promised. 

Helen was truly thankful to have escaped the 
dangers that had threatened her, and her happi- 
ness as a princess was greater than she had dared 
hope. She had, too, such a good stock of gold 
thread that she never had occasion to spin any 
more all her life long. 


THE JOURNEY TO THE SUN AND 
THE MOON. 


T here were once two young people who 
loved each other dearly. The young man 
was called J ean, the girl Annette. In her sweet- 
ness she was like unto a dove, in her strength and 
bravery she resembled an eagle. 

Her father was a rich farmer, and owned a 
large estate, but Jean’s father was only a poor 
mountain shepherd. Annette did not in the least 
mind her lover being poor, for he was rich in 
goodness: nor did she think her father would ob- 
ject to their marrying. 

One day Jean put on his best clothes, and went 
to ask the farmer for his daughter’s hand. The 
farmer listened without interrupting him, and 
then replied, ‘Tf you would marry Annette, go 
and ask of the Sun why he does not warm the 
night as well as the day. Then inquire of the 
Moon why she does not shine by day as well as 
by night. When you return with these answers 
you shall not only have my daughter but all my 
wealth.” 

These conditions in no way daunted Jean, who 
placed his hat on the side of his head, and taking 
a loving farewell of Annette, set out in search of 

75 


76 THE JOURNEY OF THE SUN AND MOON 


the Sun. On reaching a small town at the close 
of day, he looked about for a place wherein to 
pass the night. Some kind people offered him 
shelter and invited him to sup with them, inquiring 
as to the object of his journey. When they heard 
that he was on his way to visit the Sun and Moon, 
the master of the house begged him to ask the 
Sun why the finest pear-tree they had in the town 
had, for several years, ceased to bear fruit, for it 
used to produce the most delicious pears in the 
world. 

Jean willingly promised to make this inquiry, 
and the next day continued his journey. 

He walked on and on, over mountain and moor, 
through valley and dense forest, until he came to 
a land where there was no drinking water. The 
inhabitants, when they heard the object of Jean’s 
journey, begged him to ask the Sun and Moon 
why a well, that was the chief water supply of 
the district, no longer gave good water. Jean 
promised to do so, and resumed his journey. 

After long and weary wanderings he reached 
the Sun’s abode, and found him about to start on 
his travels. 

“O Sun,” said he, “stop one moment, do not 
depart without first answering a few questions.” 

“Be quick then and speak, for I have to go all 
around the world to-day.” 

“Pray tell me why you do not warm or light the 
earth by night as well as day?” 

“For this simple reason, that if I did, the world 



77 


78 THE JOURNEY OF THE SUN AND MOON 


and everything upon it would be very soon burnt 
up/’ 

Jean then put his questions concerning the 
pear*tree and the well. But the Sun replied that 
his sister, the Moon, would be able to answer him 
on those points. 

Hardly had the Sun finished speaking before 
he was obliged to hurry off, and Jean traveled 
far and fast to meet the Moon. On coming up to 
her he said, “Would you kindly stop one moment? 
there are a few questions I should like to ask 
you.” 

“Very well, be quick, for the earth is waiting 
for me,” answered she, and^stood still at once. 

“Tell me, dear Moon, why you do not light the 
world by day as well as by night? And why you 
never warm it?” 

“Because if I lit up the world by day as well 
as by night the plants would produce neither fruit 
nor flower. And though I do not warm the earth 
I supply it with dew, which makes it fertile and 
fruitful.” 

She was then about to continue her course, but 
Jean, begging her to stop one moment longer, 
questioned her about the pear-tree which had 
ceased to bear fruit. 

And she answered him thus : “While the king’s 
eldest daughter remained unmarried the tree bore 
fruit every year. After her wedding she had a 
little child who died and was buried under this 
tree. Since then there has been neither fruit nor 


THE JOURNEY OF THE SUN AND MOON 79 

flower on its branches: if the child be given 
Christian burial the tree will produce blossom and 
fruit as in the past/’ 

The Moon was just moving off when Jean 
begged her to stop and answer one more question, 
which was, why the inhabitants of a certain land 
were unable to obtain from their well the clear and 
wholesome water it had formerly poured forth. 

She replied: “Under the mouth of the well, 
just where the water should flow, lies an enormous 
toad which poisons it continually : the brim of the 
well must be broken and the toad killed, then the 
water will be as pure and wholesome as formerly.” 

The Moon then resumed her journey, for Jean 
had no more questions to ask her. 

He joyfully went back to claim his Annette, 
but forgot not to stop on coming to the land 
where they were short of water. The inhabitants 
ran out to meet him, anxious to know what he had 
found out. 

Jean led them to the well and there explained 
the instructions he had received from the Moon, 
at the same time showing them what to do. Sure 
enough, right underneath the brim of the well 
they found a horrible toad which poisoned every- 
thing. When they had killed it, the water im- 
mediately became pure and transparent, and 
sweet to the taste as before. 

All the people brought Jean presents, and thus 
laden with riches he again set out. On arriving 
at the town where grew the unfruitful pear-tree. 


80 THE JOURNEY OF THE SUN AND MOON 


he was warmly welcomed by the prince, who at 
once asked if he had forgotten to question the 
stars about the tree. 

“I never forget a promise once made,” replied 
Jean, “but I doubt whether it will be agreeable 
to your majesty to know the cause of the evil.” 

He then related all the Moon had said, and 
when his directions had been carried out they 
were rewarded by seeing the tree blossom imme- 
diately. Jean was loaded with rich gifts, and the 
king presented him with a most valuable horse, by 
means of which he reached home very quickly. 

Little Annette was wild with joy on hearing of 
her lover’s safe return, for she had wept and suf- 
fered much during his absence. But her father’s 
feelings were very different; he wished never to 
see Jean again, and had, indeed, sent him in search 
of the Sim with the hope that he might be burnt 
up by the heat. True it is that “Man proposes 
and God disposes.” Our young shepherd re- 
turned, not only safe and sound, but with more 
knowledge than any of his evil-wishers. For he 
had learned why the Sun neither lights nor warms 
the earth by night as in the day; also why the 
Moon does not give warmth, and only lights up 
during the night. Besides all this he had brought 
with him riches which far exceeded those of his 
father-in-law, and a steed full of fire and vigor. 

So Annette’s father could find no fault, and 
the wedding was celebrated with joy and feasting. 
Large quantities of roasted crane were eaten, and 


THE JOURNEY OF THE SUN AND MOON 81 


glasses overflowing with mead were emptied. So 
beautiful, too, was the music, that for long, long 
after it was heard to echo among the mountains, 
and even now its sweet sounds are heard at times 
by travelers among those regions. 



OA 





82 




THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, 
AND THE MAN WITH EYES OF 
FLAME. 

I T was in those days when cats wore shoes, when 
frogs croaked in grandmothers’ chairs, when 
donkeys clanked their spurs on the pavements like 
brave knights, and when hares chased dogs. So 
you see it must have been a very, very long time 
ago. 

In those days the king of a certain country had 
a daughter, who was not only exceedingly beau- 
tiful but also remarkably clever. Many kings 
and princes traveled from far distant lands, each 
one with the hope of making her his wife. But 
she would have nothing to do with any one of 
them. Finally, it was proclaimed that she would 
marry that man who for three successive nights 
should keep such strict watch upon her that she 
could not escape unnoticed. Those who failed 
were to have their heads cut off. 

The news of this offer was noised about in all 
parts of the world. A great many kings and 
princes hastened to make the trial, taking their 
turn and keeping watch. But each one lost his 
life in the attempt, for they could not prevent, in- 
deed they were not even able to see, the princesss 
take her flight. 


84 THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, AND 


Now it happened that Matthias, prince of a 
royal city, heard of what was going on and 
resolved to watch through the three nights. He 
was young, handsome as a deer, and brave as a 
falcon. His father did all he could to turn him 
from this purpose: he used entreaties, prayers, 
threats, in fact he forbade him to go, but in vain, 
nothing could prevent him. What could the poor 
father do? Worn-out with contention, he was at 
last obliged to consent. Matthias filled his purse 
with gold, girded a well-tried sword to his side, 
and quite alone started off to seek the fortune of 
the brave. 

Walking along next day, he met a man who 
seemed hardly able to drag one leg after the other. 

“Whither are you going?” asked Matthias. 

“I am traveling all over the world in search 
of happiness.” 

“WW is your profession?” 

“I have no profession, but I can do what no 
one else can. I am called Broad, because I have 
the power of swelling myself out to such a size 
that there is room for a whole regiment of soldiers 
inside me.” 

So saying he puffed himself out till he formed 
a barricade from one side of the road to the other. 
“Bravo!” cried Matthias, delighted at this proof 
of his capacities. “By the way, would you mind 
coming with me? I, too, am traveling across the 
world in search of happiness.” 

“If there is nothing bad in it I am quite will- 


THE MAN WITH THE EYES OF FLAME 85 

ing,” answered Broad. And they continued their 
journey together. 

A little further on they met a very slender man, 
frightfully thin, and tall and straight as a portico. 

'‘Whither are you going, good man?” asked 
Matthias, filled with curiosity at his strange ap- 
pearance. 

“I am traveling about the world.” 

“To what profession do you belong?” 

“To no profession, but I know something every 
one else is ignorant of. I am called Tall, and 
with good reason. For without leaving the earth 
I can stretch out and reach up to the clouds. 
When I walk I clear a mile at each step.” 

Without more ado he lengthened himself out 
until his head was lost in the clouds, while he 
really cleared a mile at each step. 

“I like that, my fine fellow,” said Matthias 
“Come, would you not like to travel with us?” 

“Why not?” replied he. “I’ll come.” 

So they proceeded on their way together. 
While passing through a forest they saw a man 
placing trunks of trees one upon another. 

“What are you trying to do there?” asked Mat- 
thias, addressing him. 

“I have Eyes of Flame/' said he, “and I am 
building a pile here. So saying he fixed his flam- 
ing eyes upon the wood, and the whole was in- 
stantly set alight. 

“You are a very clever and powerful man,” 


86 THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, AND 

said Matthias, “would you like to join our 
party?” 

“All right, I am willing.” 

So the four traveled along together. Mat- 
thias was overjoyed to have met with such gifted 
companions, and paid their expenses generously, 
without complaining of the enormous sum of 
money he had to spend on the amount of food 
Broad consumed. 

After some days they reached the princess’s pal- 
ace. Matthias had told them the object of his 
journey, and had promised to each a large reward 
if he was successful. They gave him their word 
to work with a will at the task which every one up 
till then had failed to accomplish. The prince 
bought them each a handsome suit of clothes, and , 
when they were all presentable sent them to tell 
the king, the princess’s father, that he had come 
with his attendants to watch three nights in the 
lady’s boudoir. But he took very good care not 
to say who he was, nor whence he had come. 

The king received them kindly, and after hear- 
ing their request said: “Reflect well before en- 
gaging yourselves in this, for if the princess 
should escape you will have to die.” 

“We very much doubt her escaping from us,” 
they replied, “but come what will, we intend to 
make the attempt and to begin at once.” 

“My duty was to warn you,” replied the mon- 
arch, smiling, “but if you still persist in your res- 


THE MAN WITH THE EYES OF FLAME 87 


olution I myself will take you to the lady’s apart- 
ments.” 

Matthias was dazzled at the loveliness of the 
royal maiden, while she, on her side, received the 
brilliant and handsome young man most graci- 
ously, not trying to hide how much she liked his 
looks and gentle manner. Hardly had the king 
retired when Broad lay down across the threshold; 
Tall and the Man with Eyes of Flame placed 
themselves near the window; while Matthias 
talked with the princess, and watched her every 
movement attentively. 

Suddenly she ceased to speak, then after a few 
moments said, ‘T feel as if a shower of poppies 
were falling on my eyelids.” 

And she lay down on the couch, pretending to 
sleep. 

Matthias did not breathe a word. Seeing her 
asleep he sat down at a table near the sofa, leaned 
his elbows upon it, and rested his chin in the hol- 
low of his hands. Gradually he felt drowsy and 
his eyes closed, as did those of his companions. 

Now this was the moment the princess was 
waiting for. Quickly changing herself into a 
dove, she flew towards the window. If it had not 
happened that one of her wings touched Tail’s 
hair he would not have awakened, and he would 
certainly never have succeeded in catching her if 
it had not been for the Man with Eyes of Flame, 
for he, as soon as he knew which direction she had 
taken, sent such a glance after her, that is, a flame 


88 THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, 

of fire, that in the twinkling of an eye her wings 
were burnt, and having been thus stopped, she 
was obliged to perch on the top of a tree. From 
thence Tall reached her easily, and placed her in 
Matthias’ hands, where she became a princess 
again. Matthias had hardly awakened out of 
his sleep. 

Next morning and the morning after the king 
was greatly astonished to find his daughter sitting 
by the prince’s side, but he was obliged to keep 
silent and accept facts as they were, at the same 
time entertaining his guests royally. At the ap- 
proach of the third night he spoke with his daugh- 
ter, and begged her to practice all the magic of 
which she was capable, and to act in such a way as 
to free him from the presence of intruders of 
whom he knew neither the rank nor the fortune. 

As for Matthias, he used every means in his 
power to bring about a happy ending to such 
a hitherto successful undertaking. Before en- 
tering the princess’s apartments he took his com- 
rades aside and said, “There is but one more 
stroke of luck, dear friends, and then we have 
succeeded. If we fail, do not forget that our 
four heads will roll on the scaffold.” 

“Come along,” replied the three; “never fear, 
we shall be able to keep good watch.” 

When they came into the princess’s room they 
hastened to take up their positions, and Matthias 
sat down facing the lady. He would have much 
preferred to remain with her without being 



89 





90 THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, AND 

obliged to keep watch all the time for fear of 
losing her forever. Resolving not to sleep this 
time, he said to himself, “Now I will keep watch 
upon you, but when you are my wife I will rest.” 

At midnight, when sleep was beginning to 
overpower her watchers, the princess kept silence, 
and, stretching herself on the couch, shut her 
beautiful eyes as if she were really asleep. 

Matthias, his elbows on the table, his chin in 
the palms of his hands, his eyes fixed upon her, 
admired her silently. But as sleep closes even the 
eyes of the eagle, so it shut those of the prince 
and his companions. 

The princess, who all this time had been watch- 
ing them narrowly and only waiting for this mo- 
ment, got up from her seat, and changing herself 
into a little fly, flew out of the window. Once free 
she again changed herself into a fish, and falling 
into the palace well, plunged and hid herself in 
the depths of the water. 

She would certainly have made her escape if, as 
a fly, she had not just touched the tip of the nose 
of the Man with Eyes of Flame. He sneezed, 
and opened his eyes in time to notice the direction 
in which she had disappeared. Without losing 
an instant he gave the alarm, and all four ran 
into the courtyard. The well was very deep 
but that did not matter. Tall soon stretched 
himself to the required depth, and searched in all 
the corners : but he was unable to find the little 


THE MAN WITH THE EYES OF FLAME 91 

fish, and it seemed impossible that it could ever 
have been there. 

“Now then, get out of that, I will take your 
place,” said Broad. 

And getting in at the top by the rim, he filled 
up all the inside of the well, stopping it so com- 
pletely with his huge body that the water sprang 
out : but nothing was seen of the little fish. 

“Now it is my turn,” said the Man with 
Eyes of Flame, “I warrant I’ll dislodge this 
clever magician.” 

When Broad had cleared the well of his enor- 
mous person the water returned to its place, but 
it soon began to boil from the heat of the eyes of 
flame. It boiled and boiled, till it boiled over the 
rim; then, as it went on boiling and rising ever 
higher and higher, a little fish was seen to throw 
itself out on the grass half cooked. As it touched 
the ground it again took the form of the princess. 

Matthias went to her and kissed her tenderly. 

“You have conquered, my master and hus- 
band,” she said, “y^u have succeeded in prevent- 
ing my escape. Henceforth I am yours, both by 
right of conquest and of my own free will.” 

The young man’s courtesy, strength, and 
gentleness, as well as his beauty, were very pleas- 
ing to the princess; but her father, the king, was 
not so ready to approve of her choice, and he re- 
solved not to let her go with them. But this did 
not trouble Matthias, who determined to carry 


92 THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, AND 


her off, aided by his three comrades. They soon 
all left the palace. 

The king was furious and ordered his guards to 
follow them and bring them back under pain of 
death. Meanwhile, Matthias, the princess, and 
the three comrades had already traveled a dis- 
tance of some miles. When she heard the steps 
of the pursuers she begged the Man with Eyes of 
Flame to see who they were. Having turned to 
look, he told her that a large army of men on 
horseback were advancing at a gallop. 

“They are my father’s guards,” said she, ‘‘we 
shall have some difficulty in escaping them.” 

Then, seeing the horsemen draw nearer she took 
the veil from her face, and throwing it behind her 
in the direction of the wind, said, “I command as 
many trees to spring up as there are threads in 
this veil.” 

Instantly, in the twinkling of an eye, a high 
thick forest rose up between them. Before the 
soldiers had time to clear for themselves a path- 
way through this dense mass, Matthias and his 
party had been able to get far ahead, and even to 
take a little rest. 

“Look,” said the princess, “and see if they are 
still coming after us.” 

The Man with Eyes of Flame looked back, and 
replied that the king’s guards were out of the 
forest and coming towards them with all speed. 

“They will not be able to reach us,” cried she. 


THE MAN WITH THE EYES OF FLAME 93 


And she let fall a tear from her eyes, saying as she 
did so, “Tear, become a river.” 

At the same moment a wide river flowed be- 
tween them and their pursuers, and before the lat- 
ter had found means of crossing it, Matthias and 
his party were far on in front. 

“Man with Eyes of Flame,” said the princess, 
“look behind and tell me how closely we are fol- 
lowed.” 

“They are quite near to us again,” he replied, 
“they are almost upon our heels.” 

“Darkness, cover them,” said she. 

At these words Tall drew himself up. He 
stretched and stretched and stretched until he 
reached the clouds, and there, with his hat he half 
covered the face of the sun. The side towards 
the soldiers was black as night, while Matthias 
and his party, lit up by the shining half, went a 
good way without hindrance. 

When they had traveled some distance. Tall 
uncovered the sun, and soon joined his compan- 
ions by taking a mile at each step. They were al- 
ready in sight of Matthias’ home, when they 
noticed that the royal guards were again follow- 
ing them closely. 

“Now it is my turn,” said Broad; “go on your 
way in safety, I will remain here. I shall be 
ready for them.” 

He quietly awaited their arrival, standing mo- 
tionless, with his large mouth open from ear to 
ear. The royal army, who were determined not 


94 THE BROAD MAN, THE TALL MAN, AND 

to turn back without having taken the princess, 
advanced towards the town at a gallop. They 
had decided among themselves that if it resisted 
they would lay siege to it. 

Mistaking Broad’s open mouth for one of the 
city gates, they all dashed through and disap- 
peared. 

Broad closed his mouth, and having swallowed 
them, ran to rejoin his comrades in the palace of 
Matthias’ father. He felt somewhat disturbed 
with a whole army inside him, and the earth 
groaned and trembled beneath him as he ran. 
He could hear the shouts of the people assembled 
around Matthias, as they rejoiced at his safe re- 
turn. 

“Ah, here you are at last, brother Broad,” cried 
Matthias, directly he caught sight of him. “But 
what have you done with the army? Where have 
you left it?” 

“The army is here, quite safe,” answered he, 
patting his enormous person. “I shall be very 
pleased to return them as they are, for the morsel 
is not very easy to digest.” 

“Come then, let them out of their prison,” said 
!Mptthias, enjoying the joke, and at the same time 
calling all the inhabitants to assist at the enter- 
tainment. 

Broad, who looked upon it as a common occur- 
rence, stood in the middle of the palace square, 
and putting his hands to his sides, began to 
cough. Then — it was really a sight worth seeing 


THE MAN WITH THE EYES OF FLAME 95 

— at each eough horsemen and horses fell out of 
his mouth, one over the other, plunging, hopping, 
jumping, trying who could get out of the way 
the quickest. The last one had a little difficulty 
in getting free, for he somehow got into one of 
Broad’s nostrils and was unable to move. It was 
only by giving a good sneeze that Broad could re- 
lease him, the last of the royal cavaliers, and he 
lost no time in following his companions at the 
top of his speed. 

A few days later a splendid feast was given 
at the wedding of Prince Matthias and the prin- 
cess. The king, her father, was also present. 
Tall had been sent to invite him. Owing to his 
knowledge of the road and the length of his limbs, 
he accomplished the journey so quickly that he 
was there before the royal horsemen had time to 
get back. It was well for them that it was so, 
for, had he not pleaded that their lives might be 
saved, their heads would certainly have been cut 
off for returning empty-handed. 

Everything was now arranged to everybody’s 
satisfaction. The princess’s father was delighted 
to know that his daughter was married to a rich 
and noble prince, and Matthias generously re- 
warded his brave traveling companions, who re- 
mained with him to the end of their days. 



96 



THE DWARF WITH THE LONG 
BEARD, 

I N a far land there reigned a king, and he had 
an only daughter who was so very beautiful 
that no one in the whole kingdom could be com- 
pared to her. She was known as Princess Piet- 
notka, and the fame of her beauty spread far and 
wide. There were many princes among her suitors 
but her choice fell upon Prince Dobrotek. She 
obtained her father’s consent to their marriage, 
and then, attended by a numerous suite, set off 
with her lover for the church, having first, as was 
the custom, received her royal parent’s blessing. 
Most of the princes who had been unsuccessful in 
their wooing of Pietnotka returned disappointed 
to their own kingdoms : but one of them, a dwarf 
only seven inches high, with an enormous hump 
on his back and a beard seven feet long, who was 
a powerful prince and magician, was so enraged 
that he determined to have his revenge. So he 
changed himself into a whirlwind and lay in wait 
to receive the princess. When the wedding proces- 
sion was about to enter the church the air was sud- 
denly filled with a blinding cloud of dust, and 
Pietnotka was borne'up high as the highest clouds 
and then right down to an underground palace. 
There the dwarf, for it was he who had worked 

97 


98 THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 


this spell, disappeared, leaving her in a lifeless 
condition. 

When she opened her eyes she found herself 
in such a magnificent apartment that she imagined 
some king must have run away with her. She 
got up and began to walk about, when lo! as if 
by some unseen hand the table was laden with gold 
and silver dishes, filled with cakes of every kind. 
They looked so tempting, that in spite of her 
grief she could not resist tasting, and she contin- 
ued to eat until she was more than satisfied. She 
returned to the sofa and lay down to rest, but be- 
ing unable to sleep, she looked first at the door, 
and then at the lamp burning on the table, then at 
the door again, and then back to the lamp. Sud- 
denly the door opened of itself, giving entrance to 
four negroes fully armed, and bearing a golden 
throne, upon which was seated the Dwarf with 
the Long Beard. He came close up to the sofa 
and attempted to kiss the princess, but she struck 
him such a blow in the face that a thousand stars 
swam before his eyes, and a thousand bells rang in 
his ears ; upon which he gave such a shout, that the 
palace walls trembled. Yet his love for her was 
so great that he did his best not to show his anger, 
and turned away as if to leave her. But his feet 
became entangled in his long beard, and he fell 
down, dropping a cap he was carrying in his hand. 
Now this cap had the power of making its wearer 
invisible. The negroes hastened up to their mas- 
ter, and placing him on the throne bore him out. 


THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 99 

Directly the princess found herself alone she 
jumped off the sofa, locked the door, and picking 
up the cap ran to a mirror to try it on and see 
how it suited her. Imagine her amazement when 
looking in the glass she saw — ^nothing at all 1 She 
took otf the cap, and behold, she was there agam 
as large as life. She soon found out what sort 
of cap it was, and rejoicing in the possession of 
such a marvel, ppt it on her head again and 
began to walk about the room. Soon the door 
was burst violently open, and the dwarf entered 
with his beard tied up. But he found neither the 
princess nor the cap, and so came to the conclusion 
that she had taken it. In a great rage he began to 
search high and low ; he looked under all the fur- 
niture, behind the curtains, and even beneath the 
carpets, but it was all in vain. Meanwhile the 
princess, still invisible, had left the palace and run 
into the garden, which was very large and beauti- 
ful. There she lived at her ease, eating the deli- 
cious fruit, drinking water from the fountain, 
and enjoying the helpless fury of the dwarf, who 
sought her untiringly. Sometimes she would 
throw the fruit-stones in his face, or take off the 
cap and show herself for an instant: then she 
would put it on again, and laugh merrily at his 
rage. 

One day, while playing this game, the cap 
caught in the branches of a gooseberry bush. 
The dwarf seeing this at once ran up, seized the 
princess in one hand and the cap in the other, and 


100 THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 

was about to carry both off when the sound of a 
war-trumpet was heard. 

The dwarf trembled with rage and muttered 
a thousand curses. He breathed on the princess 
to send her to sleep, covered her with the invisible 
cap, and seizing a double-bladed sword, rose up in 
the air as high as the clouds, so that he might fall 
upon his assailant and kill him at one stroke. W e 
shall now see with whom he had to deal. 

After the hurricane had upset the wedding pro- 
cession and carried off the princess, there arose a 
great tumult among those at court. The king, 
the princess’s attendants, and Prince Dobrotek 
sought her in every direction, calling her by name, 
and making inquiries of every one they met. At 
last, the king in despair declared that if Prince 
Dobrotek did not bring back his daughter, he 
would destroy his kingdom and have him killed. 
And to the other princes present he promised that 
whosoever among them should bring Pietnotka 
back to him should have her for his wife and re- 
ceive half of the kingdom. Whereupon they all 
mounted their horses without loss of time and dis- 
persed in every direction. 

Prince Dobrotek, overpowered with grief and 
dismay, traveled three days without eating, 
drinking, or sleeping. On the evening of the 
third day he was quite worn-out with fatigue, and 
stopping his horse in a field, got down to rest for a 
short time. Suddenly he heard cries, as of some- 
thing in pain, and looking round saw an enormous 


THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 101 


owl tearing a hare with its claws. The prince 
laid hold of the first hard thing that came to his 
hand; he imagined it to be a stone, but it was 
really a skull, and aiming it at the owl, killed the 
bird with the first blow. The rescued hare ran 
up to him and gratefully licked his hands, after 
which it ran away ; but the human skull spoke to 
him and said, “Prince Dobrotek, accept my grate- 
ful thanks for the good turn you have done me. 
I belonged to an unhappy man who took his own 
life, and for this crime of suicide I have been con- 
demned to roll in the mud until I was the means of 
saving the life of one of God’s creatures. I have 
been kicked about for seven hundred and seventy 
years, crumbling miserably on the earth, and with- 
out exciting the compassion of a single individual. 
You have been the means of setting me free by 
making use of me to save the life of that poor 
hare. In return for this kindness I will teach 
you how to call to your aid a most marvelous 
horse, who during my life belonged to me. He 
will be able to help you in a thousand ways, and 
when in need of him you have only to walk out on 
the moorland without once looking behind you, 
and to say: 

‘Dappled Horse with Mane of Gold, 

Horse of Wonder! Come to me. 

Walk not the earth, for I am told 

You fly like birds o’er land and sea/ 


102 THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 

Finish your work of mercy by burying me here, 
so that I may be at rest until the day of judgment. 
Then depart in peace and be of good cheer.’’ 

The prince dug a hole at the foot of a tree, and 
reverently buried the skull repeating over it the 
prayers for the dead. Just as he finished he saw 
a small blue flame come out of the skull and fly 
towards heaven : it was the soul of the dead man 
on its way to the angels. 

The prince made the sign of the cross and re- 
sumed his journey. When he had gone some 
way along the moorland he stopped, and without 
looking back tried the effect of the magic words, 
saying : 

‘‘Dappled Horse with Mane of Gold, 

Horse of Wonder! Come to me. 

Walk not the earth, for I am told 
You fly like birds o’er land and sea.*' 

Then amid flash of lightning and roll of thun- 
der appeared the horse. A horse, do I say? Why, 
he was a miracle of wonder. He was light as air, 
with dappled coat and golden mane. Flames 
came from his nostrils and sparks from his eyes. 

Volumes of steam rolled from his mouth and 
clouds of smoke issued from his ears. He stop- 
ped before the prince, and said in a human voice, 
“What are your orders. Prince Dobrotek?” 

“I am in great trouble,” answered the prince, 
“and shall be glad if you can help me.” Then he 
told all that had happened. 


THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 103 

And the horse said, “Enter in at my left ear, 
and come out at my right.’’ 

The prince obeyed, and came out at the right 
ear clad in a suit of splendid armor. His gilded 
cuirass, his steel helmet inlaid with gold, and his 
sword and club made of him a complete warrior. 
Still more, he felt himself endowed with superhu- 
man strength and bravery. When he stamped 
his foot and shouted the earth trembled and gave 
forth a sound like thunder, the very leaves fell 
from the trees. 

“What must we do? Where are we to go?^ 
he asked. 

The horse replied, “Your bride. Princess Piet- 
notka, has been carried off by the Dwarf with the 
Long Beard, whose hump weighs two hundred 
and eighty pounds. This powerful magician 
must be defeated, but he lives a long way from 
here, and nothing can touch or wound him except 
the sharp smiting sword that belongs to his own 
brother, a monster with the head and eyes of a 
basilisk. We must first attack the brother.” 

Prince Dobrotek leaped on to the dappled horse 
which was covered with golden trappings, and 
they setoff immediately, clearing mountains, pen- 
etrating forests, crossing rivers; and so light was 
the steed’s step that he galloped over the grass 
without bending a single blade, and along sandy 
roads without raising a grain of dust. At last 
they reached a vast plain, strewn with human 


104 THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 

bones. They stopped in front of a huge moving 
mountain, and the horse said : 

“Prince, this moving mountain that you see be- 
fore you is the head of the Monster with Basilisk 
Eyes, and the bones that whiten the ground are 
the skeletons of his victims, so beware of the eyes 
that deal death. The heat of the midday sun has 
made the giant sleep, and the sword with the 
never-failing blade lies there before him. Bend 
down and lie along my neck until we are near 
enough, then seize the sword and you have noth- 
ing more to fear. For, without the sword, not 
only will the monster be unable to harm you, but 
he himself will be completely at your mercy.” 

The horse then noiselessly approached the huge 
creature, upon which the prince bent down, and 
quickly picked up the sword. Then, raising him- 
self on his steed’s back, he gave a “Hurrah!” loud 
enough to wake the dead. The giant lifted his 
head, yawned, and turned his bloodthirsty eyes 
upon the prince ; but seeing the sword in his hand 
he became quiet, and said, “Knight, is it weariness 
of life that brings you here?” 

“Boast not,” replied the prince, “you are in my 
power. Your glance has already lost its magic 
charm, and you will soon have to die by this sword. 
But first tell me who you are.” 

“It is true, prince, I am in your hands, but be 
generous, I deserve your pity. I am a knight of 
the race of giants, and if it were not for the wick- 
edness of my brother I should have lived in peace. 


THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 105 

He is the horrible dwarf with the great hump and 
the beard seven feet long. He was jealous of my 
fine figure, and tried to do me an injury. You 
must know that all his strength, which is extra- 
ordinary, lies in his beard, and it can only be cut 
off by the sword you hold in your hand. One day 
he came to me and said, ‘Dear brother, I pray you 
help me to discover the sharp smiting sword that 
has been hidden in the earth by a magician. He 
is our enemy, and he alone can destroy us both.’ 
Fool that I was, I believed him, and by means 
of a large oak tree, raked up the mountain and 
found the sword. Then we disputed as to which 
of us should have it, and at last my brother sug- 
gested that we should cease quarreling and decide 
by lot. ‘Let us each put an ear to the ground, 
and the sword shall belong to him who first hears 
the bells of yonder church, said he. I placed my 
ear to the ground at once, and my brother 
treacherously cut off my head with the sword. 
My body, left unburied, became a great moun- 
tain, which is now overgrown with forests. As 
for my head, it is full of a life and strength proof 
against all dangers, and has remained here ever 
since to frighten all who attempt to take away 
the sword. Now, prince, I beg of you, use the 
sword to cut off the beard of my wicked brother; 
kill him, and return here to put an end to me : I 
shall die happy if I die avenged.” 

“That you shall be, and very soon, I promise 
you,” replied his listener. 


106 THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 


The prince bade the Dappled Horse with 
Golden Mane carry him to the kingdom of the 
Dwarf with the Long Beard. They reached the 
garden gate at the very moment when the dwarf 
had caught sight of Princess Pietnotka and was 
running after her. The war-trumpet, challeng- 
ing him to fight, had obliged him to leave her, 
which he did, having first put on her head the in- 
visible cap. 

While the prince was awaiting the answer to 
his challenge he heard a great noise in the clouds, 
and looking up saw the dwarf preparing to aim at 
him from a great height. But he missed his aim 
and fell to the ground so heavily that his body 
was half buried in the earth. The prince seized 
him by the beard, which he at once cut off with 
the sharp smiting sword. 

Then he fastened the dwarf to the saddle, put 
the beard in his helmet, and entered the palace. 
When the servants saw that he had really got pos- 
session of the terrible beard, they opened all the 
doors to give him entrance. Without losing a 
moment he began his search for Princess Piet- 
notka. For a long time he was unsuccessful, and 
was almost in despair when he came across her ac- 
cidentally, and, without knowing it, knocked off 
the invisible cap. He saw his lovely bride sound 
asleep, and being unable to wake her he put the 
cap in his pocket, took her in his arms, and, 
mounting his steed, set off to return to the Mon- 
ster with the Basilisk Eyes. The giant swallowed 


THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 107 

the dwarf at one mouthful, and the prince cut the 
monster’s head up into a thousand pieces, which 
he scattered all over the plain. 

He then resumed his journey, and on coming to 
the moorland the dappled horse stopped short and 
said, “Prince, here for the present we must take 
leave of each other. You are not far from home, 
your own horse awaits you; but before leaving, 
enter in at my right ear and come out at my left.” 

The prince did so, and came out without his ar- 
mor, and clad as when Pietnotka left him. 

The dappled horse vanished, and Dobrotek 
whistled to his own horse, who ran up, quite 
pleased to see him again. They immediately set 
oif for the king’s palace. 

But night came on before they reached the end 
of their journey. 

The prince laid the sleeping maiden on the 
grass, and, covering her up carefully to keep her 
warm, he himself fell fast asleep. By chance, a 
knight, one of her suitors, passed that way. See- 
ing Dobrotek asleep he drew his sword and stab- 
bed him; then he lifted the princess on his horse 
and soon reached the king’s palace, where he ad- 
dressed Pietnotka’s father in these words; “Here 
is your daughter, whom I now claim as my wife, 
for it is I who have restored her to you. She was 
carried off by a terrible sorcerer who fought with 
me three days and three nights. But I have con- 
quered him, and I have brought you the princess 
safely back.” 


108 THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 

The king was overjoyed at seeing her again, 
but finding that his tenderest efforts were power- 
less to awake her, he wanted to know the reason 
of it. 

“That I cannot tell you,” replied the imposter; 
“you see her as I found her myself.” 

Meanwhile, poor Prince Dobrotek, seriously 
wounded, was slowly recovering consciousness, 
but he felt so weak that he could hardly utter 
these words: 

“Come, Magic Horse with Mane of Gold, 

Come, Dappled Horse, O come to me. 

Fly like the birds as you did of old. 

As flashes of lightning o’er land and sea.” 

Instantly a bright cloud appeared, and from 
the midst thereof stepped the magic horse. As 
he already knew all that had happened, he dashed 
off immediately to the Mountain of Eternal Life. 
Thence he drew the three kinds of water: the 
Water that gives Life, the Water that Cures, and 
the Water that Strengthens. Returning to the 
prince, he sprinkled him first with the Life-Giv- 
ing Water, and instantly the body, which had be- 
come cold, was warm again and the blood began 
to circulate. The Water that Cures healed the 
wound, and the Strength-giving Water had such 
an effect upon him that he opened his eyes and 
cried out, “Oh, how well I have slept.” 

“You were already sleeping the eternal sleep,” 
replied the dappled horse. “One of your rivals 


THE DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 109 


stabbed you mortally, and carried off Pietnotka, 
whom he pretends to have rescued. But do not 
worry yourself, she still sleeps, and none can 
arouse her but you, and this you must do by touch- 
ing her with the dwarf’s beard. Go now, and be 
happy.” 

The brave steed disappeared in a whirlwind, 
and Prince Dobrotek proceeded on his way. On 
drawing near the capital he saw it surrounded by 
a large foreign army; part of it was already 
taken, and the inhabitants seemed to be begging 
for mercy. The prince put on his invisible cap 
and began to strike right and left with the sharp 
smiting sword. With such fury did he attack the 
enemy that they fell dead on all sides, like felled 
trees. When he had thus destroyed the whole 
army he went, still invisible, into the palace, where 
he heard the king express the utmost astonishment 
that the enemy had retired without fighting. 

“Where then is the brave warrior who has saved 
us?” said his majesty aloud. 

Everyone was silent, when Dobrotek took off 
his magic cap, and falling on his knees before 
the monarch, said: “It is I, my king and father, 
who have routed and destroyed the enemy. It 
is I who saved the princess, my bride. While on 
my way back with her I was treacherously killed 
by my rival, who has represented himself to you 
as her rescuer, but he has deceived you. Lead me 
to the princess, that I may awaken her.” 

On hearing these words the imposter ran away 


no THK DWARF WITH THE LONG BEARD 

as quickly as possible, and Dobrotek approached 
the sleeping maiden. He just touched her brow 
with the dwarf’s beard, upon which she opened 
her eyes, smiled, and seemed to ask where she was. 

The king, overcome with joy, kissed her fondly, 
and the same evening she was married to the de- 
voted Prince Dobrotek. The king himself led 
her to the altar, and to his son-in-law he gave half 
his kingdom. So splendid was the wedding ban- 
quet, that eye has never seen, nor ear ever heard 
of its equal. 



THE MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD. 


HERE was once a king so wise and clever 



L that he understood the language of all 
animals. You shall hear how he gained this 
power. 

One day an old woman came to the palace and 
said, “I wish to speak to his majesty, for I have 
something of great importance to tell him.” 
When admitted to his presence she presented him 
with a curious fish, saying, “Have it cooked for 
yourself, and when you have eaten it you will 
understand all that is said by the birds of the air, 
the animals that walk the earth, and the fishes that 
live under the waters.” 

The king was delighted to know that which 
everyone else was ignorant of, so he rewarded 
the old woman generously, and told a servant to 
cook the fish very carefully. 

“But take care,” said the monarch, “that you 
do not taste it yourself, for if you do you will be 
killed.” 

George, the servant, was astonished at such a 
threat, and wondered why his master was so anx- 
ious that no one else should eat any of the fish. 
Then examining it curiously he said, “Never in 
all my life have I seen such an odd-looking fish; it 
seems more like a reptile. Now where would be 


111 



lU 






MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


113 


the harm if I did take some? Every cook tastes 
of the dishes he prepares.” 

When it was fried he tasted a small piece, and 
while taking some of the sauce heard a buzzing 
in the air and a voice speaking in his ear. 

“Let us taste a crumb: let us taste a little,” it 
said. 

He looked around to see where the words came 
from, but there were only a few flies buzzing 
about in the kitchen. At the same moment some- 
one out in the yard said in a harsh, jerky voice, 
“Where are we going to settle? Where?” 

And another answered, “In the miller’s barley- 
field; ho! for the miller’s field of barley.” 

When George looked towards where thii^ 
strange talk came he saw a gander flying at the 
head of a flock of geese. 

“How lucky,” thought he; “now I know why 
my master set so much value on this fish and 
wished to eat it all himself.” 

George had now no doubt that by tasting the 
fish he had learned the language of animals, so 
after having taken a little more he served 
the king with the remainder as if nothing had 
happened. 

When his majesty had dined he ordered 
George to saddle two horses and accompany him 
for a ride. They were soon off, the master in 
front, the servant behind. 

While crossing a meadow George’s horse be- 
gan to prance and caper, neighing out these 


114 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


words, “I say, brother, I feel so light and in such 
good spirits to-day that in one single bound I 
could leap over those mountains yonder/' 

“I could do the same, answered the king’s 
horse, “but I carry a feeble old man on my back; 
he would fall like a log and break his skull.” 

“What does that matter to you? So much 
the better if he should break his head, for then in- 
stead of being ridden by an old man you would 
probably be mounted by a young one.” 

. The servant laughed a good deal upon hearing 
this conversation between the horses, but he took 
care to do so on the quiet, lest the king should 
hear him. At that moment his majesty turned 
around, and, seeing a smile on the man’s face, 
asked the cause of it. 

“Oh nothing, your majesty, only some non- 
sense that came into my head.” 

The king said nothing, and asked no more 
questions, but he was suspicious and distrusted 
both servant and horses; so he hastened back to 
the palace. 

When there he said to George, “Give me some 
wine, but mind you only pour out enough to fill 
the glass, for if you put in one drop too much, so 
that it overflows, I shall certainly order my exe- 
cutioner to cut off your head.” 

While he was speaking two birds flew near the 
window, one chasing the other, who carried three 
golden hairs in his beak. 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


115 


“Give them to me/’ said one, “you know they 
are mine.” 

“Not at all, I picked them up myself.” 

“No matter, I saw them fall while the Maid 
with Locks of Gold was combing out her hair. 
At least, give me two, then you can keep the third 
for yourself.” 

“No, not a single one.” 

Thereupon one of the birds succeeded in seiz- 
ing the hairs from the other bird’s beak, but in the 
struggle he let one fall, and it made a sound as if 
a piece of metal had struck the ground. As for 
George, he was completely taken off his guard, 
and the wine overflowed the glass. 

The king was furious and feeling convinced 
that his servant had disobeyed him and had 
learned the language of animals, he said, “You 
scoundrel, you deserve death for having failed to 
do my bidding, nevertheless, I will show you 
mercy upon one condition, that you bring me the 
Maid with the Golden Locks, for I intend to 
marry her.” 

Alas, what was to be done? Poor fellow, he 
was willing to do anything to save his life, even 
run the risk of losing it on a long journey. He 
therefore promised to search for the Maid with the 
Golden Locks: but he knew not where or how 
to And her. 

When he had saddled and mounted his horse 
he allowed it to go on its own way, and it carried 
him to the outskirts of a dark forest, where some 


116 MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 

shepherds had left a bush burning. The sparks 
of fire from the bush endangered the lives of a 
large number of ants which had built their nest 
close by, and the poor little things were hurrying 
away in all directions, carrying their small white 
eggs with them. 

“Help us in our distress, good George,’’ they 
cried in a plaintive voice; “do not leave us 
to perish, together with our children whom we 
carry in these eggs.” 

George immediately dismounted, cut down the 
bush, and put out the fire. 

“Thank you, brave man: and remember, when 
you are in trouble you have only to call upon us, 
and we will help you in our turn.” The young 
fellow went on his way far into the forest until 
he came to a very tall fir tree. At the top of the 
tree was a raven’s nest, while at the foot, on the 
ground, lay two young ones who were calling out 
to their parents and saying, “Alas, father and 
mother, where have you gone? You have flown 
away, and we have to seek our food, weak and 
helpless as we are. Our wings are as yet without 
feathers, how then shall we be able to get an5rthing 
to eat? Good George,” said they, turning to the 
young man, “do not leave us to starve.” 

Without stopping to think, the young man 
dismounted, and with his sword slew his horse to 
provide food for the young birds. They thanked 
him heartily, and said, “If ever you should be in 
distress, call to us and we will help you at once.” 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


117 


After this George was obliged to travel on foot 
and he walked on for a long time, ever getting 
further and further into the forest. On reaching 
the end of it, he saw stretching before him an im- 
mense sea that seemed to mingle with the horizon. 
Close by stood two men disputing the possession 
of a large fish with golden scales that had fallen 
into their net. 

“The net belongs to me,” said one, “therefore 
the fish must be mine.” 

“Your net would not have been of the slightest 
use, for it would have been lost in the sea, had I 
not come with my boat just in the nick of time.” 

“Well, you shall have the next haul I make.” 

“And suppose you should catch nothing? No ; 
give me this one and keep the next haul for your- 
self.” 

“I am going to put an end to your quarrel,” 
said George, addressing them. “Sell me the 
fish: I will pay you well, and you can divide the 
money between you.” 

Thereupon he put into their hands all the 
money the king had given him for the journey, 
without keeping a single coin for himself. The 
fishermen rejoiced at the good fortune which had 
befallen them, but George put the fish back into 
the water. The fish, thankful for this unexpected 
freedom, dived and disappeared, but returning to 
the surface, said, “Whenever you may need my 
help you have but to call me, I shall not fail to 
show my gratitude.” 



MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


119 


“Where are you going? asked the fisherman. 

“I am in search of a wife for my old master; 
she is known as the Maid with the Golden Locks: 
but I am at a loss where to find her.” 

“If that be all, we can easily give you informa- 
tion,” answered they. “She is Princess Zlato 
Vlaska, and daughter of the king whose crystal 
palace is built on that island yonder. The golden 
light from the princess’s hair is reflected on sea 
and sky every morning, when she combs it. If 
you would like to go to the island we will take you 
there for nothing, in return for the clever and 
generous way by which you made us stop quarrel- 
ing. But beware of one thing : when in the pal- 
ace do not make a mistake as to which is the prin- 
cess, for there are twelve of them, but only Zlato 
Vlaska has hair of gold.” 

When George reached the island he lost no 
time in making his way to the palace, and de- 
manded from the king the hand of his daughter. 
Princess Zlato Vlaska, in marriage to the king his 
master. 

“I will grant the request with pleasure,” said 
his majesty, “but only on one condition, namely, 
that you perform certain tasks which I will set 
you. These will be three in number, and must be 
done in three days, just as I order you. For the 
present you had better rest and refresh yourself 
after your journey.” 

On the next day the king said, “My daughter, 
the Maid with the Golden Hair, had a string of 


120 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


fine pearls, and the thread having broken, the 
pearls were scattered far and wide among the 
long grass of this field. Go and pick up every 
one of the pearls, for they must all be found,” 

George went into the meadow, which was of 
great length and stretched away far out of sight. 
He went down on his knees and hunted between 
the tufts of grass and bramble from morning un- 
til noon, but not a single pearl could he find. 

“Ah, if I only had my good little ants here,” 
he cried, “they would be able to help me.” 

“Here we are, young man, at your service,” 
answered the ants, suddenly appearing. Then 
they all ran around him, crying out, “What is the 
matter? What do you want?” 

“I have to find all the pearls lost in this field, 
and cannot see a single one : can you help me?” 

“Wait a little, we will soon get them for you.” 

He had not to wait very long, for they brought 
him a heap of pearls, and all he had to do was to 
thread them on the string. Just as he was about 
to make a knot he saw a lame ant coming slowly 
towards him, for one of her feet had been burned 
in the bush fire. 

“Wait a moment, George,” she called out; “do 
not tie the knot before threading this last pearl I 
am bringing you.” 

When George took his pearls to the king, his 
majesty first counted them to make sure they 
were all there, and then said, “You have done 
very well in this test, to-morrow I will give you 
another.” 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


121 


Early next morning the king summoned 
George to him and said, “My daughter, the Prin- 
cess with the Golden Hair, dropped her gold ring 
into the sea while bathing. You must find the 
jewel and bring it to me to-day.” 

The young fellow walked thoughtfully up and 
down the beach. The water was pure and trans- 
parent, but he could not see beyond a certain dis- 
tance into its depths, and therefore could not tell 
where the ring was lying beneath the water. 

“Ah, my golden fishling, why are you not here 
now? You would surely be able to help me,” he 
said to himself, speaking aloud. 

“Here I am,” answered the fish’s voice from the 
sea, “what can I do for you?” 

“I have to find a gold ring which has been drop- 
ped in the sea, but as I cannot see to the bottom 
there is no use looking.” 

The fish said, “Fortunately I have just met a 
pike, wearing a gold ring on his fin. Just wait 
a moment, will you?” 

In a very short time he reappeared with the pike 
and the ring. The pike willingly gave up the 
jewel. 

The king thanked George for his cleverness, 
and then told him the third task. “If you really 
wish me to give the hand of my daughter with 
the golden hair to the monarch who has sent you 
here, you must bring me two things that I want 
above everything: the Water of Death and the 
Water of Life.” 


122 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


George had not the least idea where to find 
these waters, so he determined to trust to chance 
and “follow his nose,” as the saying is. He went 
first in one direction and then in another, until he 
reached a dark forest. 

“Ah, if my little ravens were but here, perhaps 
they would help me,” he said aloud. 

Suddenly there was heard a rushing noise, as of 
wings overhead, and then down came the ravens 
calling “Krak, krak, here we are, ready and will- 
ing to help you. What are you looking for?” 

“I want some of the Water of Death and the 
Water of Life: it is impossible for me to find 
them for I don’t know where to look.” 

“Krak, krak, we know very well where to find 
some. Wait a moment.” 

Off they went immediately, but soon returned, 
each with a small gourd in his beak. One gourd 
contained the Water of Life, the other the Water 
of Death. 

George was delighted with his success, and 
went back on his way to the palace. When 
nearly out of the forest, he saw a spider’s web 
hanging between two fir trees, while in the center 
was a large spider devouring a fly he had just 
killed. George sprinkled a few drops of the 
Water of Death on the spider; it immediately left 
the fly, which rolled to the ground like a ripe 
cherry, but on being touched with the Water of 
Life she began to move, and stretching out first 
one limb and then another, gradually freed her- 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


123 


self from the spider’s web. Then she spread her 
wings and took flight, having first buzzed these 
words in the ears of her deliverer: “George, you 
have assured your own happiness by restoring 
mine, for without my help you would never have 
succeeded in recognizing the Princess with the 
Golden Hair when you choose her to-morrow 
from among her twelve sisters.” 

And the fly was right, for though the king, on 
finding that George had accomplished the third 
task, agreed to give him his daughter Zlato 
Vlaska, he yet added that he would have to find 
her himself. 

He then led him to a large room and bade him 
choose from among the twelve charming girls 
who sat at a round table. Each wore a kind of 
linen headdress that completely hid the upper 
part of the head, and in such a way that the keen- 
est eye could not discover the color of the hair. 

“Here are my daughters,” said the king, “but 
only one among them has golden hair. If you 
find her you may take her with you; but if you 
make a mistake she will remain with us, and you 
will have to return empty-handed.” 

George felt much embarrassed, not knowing 
what course to take. 

“Buzz, Buzz, come walk around these young 
girls, and I will tell you which is yours.” 

Thus spoke the fly whose life George had 
saved. 

Thus assured he walked boldly around, point- 


124 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


ing at them one after the other and saying, “This 
one has not the golden hair, nor this one either, 
nor this ” 

Suddenly, having been told by the fly, he cried, 
“Here we are : this is Zlato Plaska, even she her- 
self. I take her for my own, she whom I have 
won, and for whom I have paid the price with 
many cares. You will not refuse her me this 
time.’’ 

“Indeed, you have guessed aright,” replied the 
king. 

The princess rose from her seat, and letting 
fall her headdress, exposed to full view all the 
splendor of her wonderful hair, which seemed 
like a waterfall of golden rays, and covered her 
from head to foot. The glorious light that shone 
from it dazzled the young man’s eyes, and he im- 
mediately fell in love with her. 

The king provided his daughter with gifts wor- 
th v of a queen, and she left her father’s palace in 
a manne r befitting a royal bride. The journey 
back was accomplished without any mishaps. 

On their arrival the old king was delighted at 
the sight of Zlato Vlaska, and danced with joy. 
Splendid and costly preparations were made for 
the wedding. His majesty then said to George, 
“You robbed me of the secret of animal lan- 
guage. For this I intended to have your head cut 
off and your body thrown to birds of prey. But 
as you have served me so faithfully and won the 
princess for my bride I will lessen the punishment 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


125 


— that is, although you will be executed, yet you 
shall be buried with all the honors worthy of a 
superior officer.” 

So the sentence was carried out, cruelly and un- 
justly. After the execution the Princess with the 
Golden Hair begged the king to make her a pres- 
ent of George’s body, and the monarch was so 
much in love that he could not refuse his intended 
bride anything. 

Zlato Vlaska with her own hands replaced the 
head on the body, and sprinkled it with the Water 
of Death. Immediately the separated parts be- 
came one again. Upon this she poured the Water 
of Life, and George returned to life, fresh as a 
young roebuck, his face radiant with health and 
youth. 

“Ah me! How well I have slept,” said he, rub- 
bing his eyes. 

“Yes; no one could have slept better,” an- 
swered the princess, smiling, “but without me you 
would have slept through eternity.” 

When the old king saw George restored to life, 
and looking younger, handsomer, and more vig- 
orous than ever, he too wanted to be made young 
again. He therefore ordered his servants to cut 
off his head and sprinkle it with the Life-Giving 
Water. They cut it off, but he did not come to 
life again, although they sprinkled his body with 
all the water that was left. Perhaps they made 
some mistake in using the wrong water, for the 
headland body were joined, but life itself never 


126 


MAID WITH HAIR OF GOLD 


returned, there being no Water of Life left for 
that purpose. No one knew where to get any, 
and none understood the language of animals. 

So, to make a long story short, George was 
proclaimed king, and the Princess with Hair of 
Gold, who really loved him, became his queen. 





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